Poiema (1994)

Poiema is the 13th studio album by Christian singer/songwriter/author Michael Card, released on November 7, 1994 by Sparrow Records.

Poiema is the second official release by Card, as he released his "Best of" album Joy in the Journey earlier in 1994 as it still continues to chart. The word "poiema" is Greek meaning "a work," "workmanship," or "that which is made," often used to describe something created by a divine hand. In a biblical context, it is famously used in Ephesians 2:10 to refer to believers as God's "handiwork" or "workman-

ship," created for a specific purpose. It is the root for English words like "poem" and "poetry," implying a masterpiece of creation. According to Card as he wrote in the CD liner notes, "These songs are the result of listening to my life and the lives of others close to me, to try to hear the parables, poems, and songs; to determine what some of the moments mean. I hope they encourage you to realize that your own life is indeed a poem, a parable."

The title song, "The Poem of Your Life" based on Ephesians 2:10, served as the album's lead single and was Card's final Top 10 hit on the Christian AC chart, as his sound has shifted to an older audience and further singles were relegated only to the Christian Inspirational chart, as has previous songs from past releases have charted on the latter. The track "For F.F.B." is dedicated to Card's grandfather, who was a preacher and the audio portion of his sermon on the song was preached four days before Card was born. "Bearers of the Light" was previously recorded for the various artists album Promise Keepers - A Life That Shows. Poiema climbed to number 7 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart in March of 1995. In 1996, the album was nominated for a Dove Award for

Inspirational Album of the Year.

After being on Sparrow Records for more than 10 years, Poiema served as Card's final release on the label.

Track listing

All songs written by Michael Card, except where noted.

1. The Poem of Your Life -3:03

2. The Basin and the Towel -3:59

3. Things We Leave Behind -4:14

4. Earthly Perfect Harmony (Michael Card, Randy Scruggs) -3:00

5. Home -3:35

6. Lowden's Prayer (instrumental) -2:37

7. The Poem of Your Life (reprise) -1:29

8. The Edge (Michael Card, Phil Naish) -5:49

9. Hope -3:25

10. Bearers of the Light (from the various artists recording Promise Keepers -

A Life That Shows) -3:58

11. The Greening of Belfast -4:28

12. For F.F.B. -3:51

13. Sunrise of Your Smile (Michael Card, Phil Naish) -4:12

Production credits

Phil Naish -producer (tracks 1 -9, 11 -13)

Brown Bannister -producer (track 10)

Radio singles

1994 -1995 "The Poem of Your Life" -#8 Christian AC

1995 "Things We Leave Behind" -#39 Christian AC

Previous release: Joy in the Journey: 10 Years of Greatest Hits (1994) (compilation

album)

Next release: Brother to Brother (1996) (collaboration album with John Michael Talbot)