Illuminations

Illuminations features topics of nature, religion, and memories. Joseph Shenk Hertzler’s insights into and perspective on everyday occurrences are a clear statement of his beliefs and faith.

Joseph's deep religious and spiritual convictions of his Mennonite heritage and pacifism radiate from his poetry. Many of his poems contain imagery that highlights his love of gardening and passion for birds.

Poetry summoned Joseph to write. His eloquence in combining words to describe and tell a story was put to use for many years writing sermons, entertaining friends and family. Poetry gave him freedom to explain his surroundings, experiences and learnings. During winter months when gardening was put on hold, writing poetry allowed him an outlet that tantalized and challenged his mind.

The tradition of Southern storytelling shines through in the Collective Memories and Remembrances sections. His boyhood along the Warwick River in Virginia and in central Florida provide material for amusing tales.

Joseph’s poetry illuminates life in its many facets, including death. Illuminations overflows with his humor, wisdom and incredible insight into the world we all share and together call home.

The author, Joseph Shenk Hertzler, utilized his writing abilities by writing sermons while pastoring in Virginia, Iowa and working at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Indiana. Over the years he used his creativity in many art forms including oil painting, gardening, landscaping, sculpture (see front cover), raising many birds including exotic pigeons and peace doves. He participates in a poetry group, affectionately called Dead Poet Society. Joseph is an ordained pastor with his M.Div. He worked at AMBS as vice-president of development for 26 years and is currently retired.

Joseph, fifth of six children, spent his childhood in Newport News, Virginia and central Florida. He is married and has two daughters. He currently resides in Goshen, Indiana.