Brent Mitchell

Kenosha Poet Laureate, 2015-2017

Brent grew up in north Texas, enveloped in a world of music (his mother was an opera singer) and literature (his father was a poet and English professor. Their influence led to a career in songwriting and music performance.  He's recorded six albums of original music before returning to school to explore another passion: understanding the role of religion in human minds and culture. He holds a master's degree in theology from Garrett Theological Seminary of Northwestern University and a BA in religious studies from Carthage College, where he teaches. He's won numerous awards for songwriting and scholarship. He's also an accomplished visual artist. His first book of poems is titled, Mermaids, Cowboys, and the Lord of Death. He resides in Kenosha with his wife, Stephanie, and four children.

The Wind

by Brent Mitchell

When I was a child, the wind spoke in my ear.
Listen, was mostly all it said.
In the cottonwood, through the window screen
it whispered,
Listen.

The wind said, Get up now and
come outside with me.
The fields are rolling and flashing in the sun.
​The day is full and ripe and round,
and everywhere is heard
the turtle dove.

The wind said, Be still now,
boy. Be still a while.
You will have all your restless life to roam. 
See how I wander, never to rest?
I have no place to call my own.
​
A storm fell on Elijah, but he kept his peace.
Elijah saw the fire, still he kept his peace.
​The mountain trembled, but Elijah knew
the voice of his Lord
in the murmuring breeze.