Bethany Student Publishes Poetry Collection

Julia Baker Swann, a student in the Master of Theopoetics and Writing program, has published a book of poetry entitled The Moon is Always Whole as part of the DreamSeeker Poetry Series from Cascadia Publishing House, a publisher that focuses on books by Anabaptist authors.  

According to a summary provided by the publisher, The Moon is Always Whole, “invites readers into the body’s rhythms of creation, love, and loss—affirming that even as we see only in part, “the moon is always whole” within and beyond chronic illness, ancestral trauma, silencing, betrayal.” 

Swann is a graduate of Goshen College (Goshen, Ind.) and completed post-graduate work in somatic internal family systems therapy. She serves as poetry editor for Geez magazine. Swann says that she completed the manuscript for this book prior to beginning her studies at Bethany. 

“This book grew out of a long journey of healing. A significant part of my healing was finding my voice as a writer,” says Swann. “I didn’t set out to write a book, I set out to heal and explore my journey through poetry, what emerged was a desire to share the words with others. 

Scott Holland, Slabaugh professor theology and culture at Bethany, says of the book, “In this theopoetic adventure of body and soul, Julia Baker Swann believes a body knows and a poem knows much in a field of clover beyond belief.” 

Author Lee Herrick adds, “”This is a marvelous book of grace, praise, wonder, and joy. This is a rare talent in tune with the world.” 

Bethany Theological Seminary will hold a celebration of the book on Zoom on January 22, 2021 at 3 p.m. Eastern time. (A link for the Zoom gathering will be shared when it is available.) 

For more information about the book or to order a copy, visit the Cascadia website.