The Martyrs' Idyl, and Shorter Poems

"The Martyrs' Idyl, and Shorter Poems" by Louise Imogen Guiney presents a collection of thoughtful poems accompanied by a longer story-poem and examines the subjects of belief, surrender, and what it means to be human. These works use impactful descriptions and a strong sense of feeling to show both personal and historical sides of pain and affection. The main story, "The Martyrs' Idyl," tells of Didymus, a fighter, and his meeting with Theodora, a Christian being killed for her belief in a time when Romans were prosecuting Christians. Theodora’s strong belief is very different from Didymus's own confusion as he battles with his own belief and who he is as a person. Moreover, Guiney uses stories of nature, love, and sadness to talk about bigger questions about soul and existence. In all, the collection is a moving consideration of bravery and looking for religious truth while facing hardship.