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Two months ago I blogged a poem about the dynamic life of the Trinity dancing the New Creation – us included. I asked musicians and worship types to record their versions of it if they wanted to. Artist Tim Coons took me up on it – the week his daughter was born!

You can listen to the song above – or at least, you will be able to once I get this player fixed.  You can listen to the song, and download the EP that it’s part of here.

Tim sat down with me (virtually speaking) to chat about the song. Here’s our conversation:

Tim: How was it for you to have a poem you had written (that came not just from your head, but from your heart and guts as well) be taken and turned into a song? Especially since it wasn’t in a style you imagined? or Was it difficult collaborating on something that was close to you?

Mike: It was flipping awesome! As a non-musician and even (I’d say) a non-poet (I write mostly journalistic pieces and essays for publication, as well as being a prolific blogger), I had written this piece after being on a major “Trinity kick,” reflecting on the relational nature of God and what God’s Three-in-Oneness means for human community. Having you email me out of the blue, having already recorded a rough cut, underscores some of the Trinitarian energy I’m beginning to notice more and more in the universe – among friends, and even strangers. It’s a pattern recognition thing.

Tim: In what way can art express aspects of the trinity, perhaps where prose doesn’t?

Mike: Well, the idea of ‘One God in three persons’ is a logical contradiction. It doesn’t work as math, and it doesn’t usually work as prose without spilling a ton of overwrought ink. But a story? A poem? A song? These can truly ‘eff the ineffable,’ and bring to life a reality more sublime and nourishing than prose alone can.

Mike: Yes indeed – when it broke out into three-part harmony. : ) That was great. And having a woman’s voice be one of those strands is a nice touch.

Tim: Where does the song best embody your heart behind the poem?

Mike: The entire song reflects my heart, which is to marvel as this kinetic, dancing community we call “God” – but I have to say, when you break out in falsetto & the three-part harmony explodes on the scene…that about sums it up. : )

Tim: Thanks, Mike! And let me know if you ever want to workshop a song together/ write something together again! I had a blast.