*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes

Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes is a beautiful anthology of poetry inspired by Scripture.

*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes. Paraclete Press, 2025, 160 pages.

• Reading Level: Teen/Adult, ages 12+
• Recommended for: ages 12+

Who is this God?

He. Is. Ours.

When will we learn

to begin each day

with the only one whose plans

cannot be undone?

~”Daily Delusions” (p. 60-61)

In Glory, Too: Poems, Nikki Grimes spends time reflecting on various passages of Scripture, turning them into masterful poetic reflections. “Daily Delusions” references John 21:1-14, when the disciples were fishing, but caught none. Jesus tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and they caught 153 fish (“153 fish, y’all!” as Grimes exclaims right before the passage I quoted above). Many poems react to other biblical narratives, but others explore ideas in verses such as Romans 12:1-2 (a fitting opening meditation for the year titled “Worship Walking”), Romans 8:26-39 (“The Problem of Evil”), or 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25 (“Human Wisdom”). Each poem’s biblical inspiration (reference) is listed at the end of each poem.

Like the companion volume, Glory in the Margins, Glory, Too: Poems offers up a poem for each week of the year. Originally presented on Sundays at her own church, these poems can be read any day of the week by Christians for their own personal worship and devotion. Or, they can be shared in a congregational setting as they were first! This book is divided into seasons, but poems do not necessarily reflect the season except occasionally for the liturgical calendar. (They may be tied to liturgical readings, but since the poems are not ascribed dates, it’s difficult to tell.)

Some poems will challenge readers (not unlike Wendell Berry’s poetry), and others will inspire (much like Malcolm Guite’s poetry). The collection as a whole is a deeply thoughtful one. Note: I have not read each poem yet because poetry is a slow, meditative read, but I can heartily recommend the book based on the 50% I’ve gobbled up. Now to start over and savor each gem….

Bottom Line: Glory, Too: Poems is an outstanding volume, worth owning and pondering!

*indicates a starred review, a “best of the best” in its category.

Related Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Reviews: At Jerusalem’s Gate, also by Nikki Grimes, is a terrific poetic exploration of Easter. See her Voices of Christmas for a similar book about Christmas.
• Review: The Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken: an anthology of devotional poetry from throughout history.
• Resource: Browse all our books tagged “poetry” for more poetic enjoyment!

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You can also purchase Glory, Too: Poems (and the accompanying volume, Glory in the Margins) directly from the publisher, Paraclete Press.