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The poem “The Settlers” by Martin Rizley read by the poet himself at the Society of Classical Poets online Poetry Symposium on June 28, 2025:
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Video created by Andrew Benson Brown.
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VERY impressive video, Andrew, and a very moving narrative as well, Martin.
Unique and very entertaining… great job, both –
Thanks, Martin and Andrew, for the reading and cinematic work that allows this impressive poem to stand forth again. This time, Martin, the words “frame” and “will” strike me more forcibly. You choose “frame” for the Oklahoma settlers’ dream of creating a proper wood-frame home above the soil where, ultimately, the “frame” or body of each is buried in the earth they worked. That is, human craft and skill contribute much to realization of the long-sustained settlement dream. But so does conformity to the “will” of God, including His ordinance of bearing and raising children to perpetuate their achievement. Along the way, faith in God is essential, as is the settlers’ own will to act in accord with the divine will. It engenders the present you as speaker bring into the poem, and the future you envision at its end. Once again, well done!
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Andrew and Martin, thank you for this thoroughly engaging poetic journey of “The Settlers” – a great poem! It’s always lovely to hear poetry read aloud, and when there are carefully chosen visuals and beautiful music to enhance the words, it makes for a most pleasurable experience.
Martin and Andrew, what a beautiful poem! The narration read with a deep felt reverence, accompanied by the expressive visuals; I felt I was sharing in your ancestral roots, of courage and faith.
A deep and moving piece!