The Night Abraham Called to the Stars

“The poems of The Night Abraham Called to the Stars mark the ripening of a new current in Bly’s career: Now in his mid-70s, he is writing with tremendous energy and clarity and force, and producing some of the best work of his long career.” — The Nation

A volume of poetry with an emphasis on spirituality from the National Book Award winner.

Drawing on the profound influence that Islamic poetry, such as Rumi's, has had on his work, Robert Bly transmutes the remarkable ghazal form into a stunning series of poems. In this form, the poet can change the landscape in each stanza, ranging from a love poem to wisdom literature to a complaint about the poet's private life.

A cultured form with many references to other poems and poets, ghazal poetry challenges and involves the reader. In this volume, Bly's poetry resonates with deep spirituality while sounding the major themes of modern life. Merging wildness and a beautiful formality, this collection assures the reputation of one of the major poets of our era.

How does a modern master engage with ancient forms of devotion?
The Ghazal Form: Discover how Bly adapts this ancient Persian structure, allowing each stanza to shift from earthly complaint to divine wisdom.Rumi's Influence: See how the spirit of the beloved Sufi master echoes through poems that search for the sacred in the everyday.Lyrical and Profound: A collection that merges wildness and formality, where every line resonates with the clarity and force of a poet at the peak of his powers.Faith and Modern Life: Explore the major themes of our time through a lens of deep spirituality, finding connection in a world of separation.