Dr. Robert Randolph, professor of English at Waynesburg University, recently published his third full-length poetry manuscript, “Broken.”
“Broken” features the poetic voice of an old man who feels “broken into prayer by God’s presence,” with each poem representing “the shards of that breakage.”
That is the inspiration—feeling God's presence, being moved to awe and responding in words. The poems are written, let’s say, from inside the poet's heart and everyday experiences, to God.”
Dr. Randolph’s first full-length poetry manuscript, “Floating Girl (Angel of War),” was published in 2006 and his second, “The Appalachian Archive,” was published in 2021. Prior to publication, all three works gained recognition in their earlier forms.
“‘Floating Girl (Angel of War)’ was the editor's choice from Elixir Press in a national competition,” said Dr. Randolph. “‘The Appalachian Archive’ was a finalist in the Fernanto Rielo World Prize for Mystical Poetry, from Madrid, Spain. Sixteen years ago, it was one of 13 finalists from entries coming from many countries. ‘Broken’ was also a finalist, two years ago, in the Rielo Prize, this time one of 10 finalists.”
Each manuscript is connected to its own story. Through the prose, “Floating Girl (Angel of War)” expresses anger surrounding the effects of war on children, while “The Appalachian Archive” and “Broken” embody a sense of awe.
In “Broken,” that sense of awe is illustrated through the old man’s poems written to God.
“That is the inspiration—feeling God's presence, being moved to awe and responding in words,” explained Dr. Randolph on what inspired him to write his most recent published book. “The poems are written, let’s say, from inside the poet's heart and everyday experiences, to God.”
For those interested in pursuing a degree in creative writing and publishing their own written works, Dr. Randolph suggests becoming immersed in the craft through reading and writing.
“I would advise anyone interested in creative writing to write and write more, not to stop, and to read and read more,” added Dr. Randolph. “It is ok to write from the heart. It is also ok to learn from other writers about the craft.”
In addition to publishing three poetry manuscripts, Dr. Randolph’s work has been published in nearly 40 journals worldwide throughout his academic career. He was a Fulbright Teaching Scholar in both Finland and Greece. For over 12 years, he was also a Commissioned Ruling Elder for the Greensboro Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Randolph received a bachelor of arts degree from Wilmington College, a master of arts degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a master of arts degree from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in English from Southern Illinois University.
