One of the most loved and possibly one of the more difficult Christian poems to read and appreciate, The Hound of Heaven has been loved for over a century. It is not, however, a poem that most people cannot read without some background. It is being published to the web site for your appreciation and do not be dissuaded from reading it.
The following explanation is offered below:
‘The name is strange. It startles one at first. It is so bold, so new, so fearless. It does not attract, rather the reverse. But when one reads the poem this strangeness disappears. The meaning is understood. As the hound follows the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the chase, with unhurrying and imperturbed pace, so does God follow the fleeing soul by His Divine grace. And though in sin or in human love, away from God it seeks to hide itself, Divine grace follows after, unwearyingly follows ever after, till the soul feels its pressure forcing it to turn to Him alone in that never ending pursuit.
-The Neumann Press Book of Verse, 1988
The Hound of Heaven is here on site illustrated by the panels painted by R. H. Ives Gammell.
