The following is a poem I penned about G.K. Chesterton, the reputed absentminded novelist. Chesterton is best known as the author of the Father Brown series. Analysts suggest, to consider the novels merely interesting detective yarns is a fallacy. Chesterton was, in fact, pointing out that his priest-protagonist applied deductive reasoning and not mystical intervention to solve the crimes as his fellow characters supposed. As a skilful writer, of orthodox Christian views, defending the faith, Chesterton proposed knowledge of and consequently faith in God was possible by considering the evidence. ‘Great truths can only be forgotten and can never be falsified.’ — G.K. Chesterton.
Ride with Chesterton
I lingered at the station, No destination planned,
On platform spied him waiting, A swordstick in his hand.
He gazed at schedule-noticeboard, Donned in his strange attire,
A cape, a vest, and crumpled hat: He puffed on lit cigar.
He twirled his mo and then he sighed, ‘Now where do I retire?’
Miniature glasses sit upon nose: Traces of humour glisten his eyes.
The climes he keenly contemplates And chuckles in glad surprise.
Notebook balanced on corpulent frame, Pen is poised to score,
He smiles, and scribbles, ‘Father Brown’. Inspired, the ideas pour.
The paradoxical villain; his priestly friend, Or is that merely lore?
I took a seat beside G.K. And pressed him to inform,
The how and when, and what and why: The secrets of his tome
‘Ah,’ said he, with knowing smile, What is it you perceive?
Thus, orchestrate your story To enlighten those who read.
And consider; ‘tis Creator, God, Inspires our every screed.’
V. Carnell ©
If you are interested in reading further analysis of Chesterton’s works you will find, Kayman, M. (2003). The short story from Poe to Chesterton. In M. Priestman (Ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Crime Fiction (Cambridge Companions to Literature, pp. 41-58). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CCOL0521803993.004, a worthwhile piece.
