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Illuminations: A Book of Poetry. Joseph S. Hertzler. 1stBooks Library, 2003, 232 pp. Reviewed by Mary Swartley. Many people have known Joseph Hertzler as a pastor in Virginia or Iowa, or as Vice President of Development at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary for 26 years. Few of us knew Joseph as an artist or poet. In recent years, Joseph has suffered the loss of ability to speak through a progressive aphasia, but his family has shared his legacy through the publication of this collection of his poetry. Illuminations includes more than 160 poems grouped around the themes of nature, family, theology, remembrances, reflections, and mortality. Some are poetic renditions of amusing stories from his childhood in Newport News, Virginia, and central Florida. Others offer dramatic reflections on the sad side of our own church history. Many of the poems are fun to read aloud because Joe’s humor and insights are delightful. The images and metaphors are captivating and sometimes deeply moving, drawing us back again and again. My copy has many post-it notes marking especially poignant lines. Joe’s poetry was his journal. I wish there’d be a way to know when each poem was written. Joseph’s words on the theme of mortality is a special gift as his own health deteriorates. Some of Joseph's poetry is available on MARP's Poetry page. Printed with permission from Mary Hertzler, all rights reserved.