What Cheer; Or, Roger Williams in Banishment: A Poem

A lyrical portrait unfolds, tracing the rugged path of a 17th‑century minister forced from his community and set adrift on the New England wilderness. Through vivid imagery of bitter winter nights, frozen rivers and lone fire‑warmed huts, the poem evokes the stark beauty of the early colonies while hinting at the inner fire that drives its subject toward freedom of conscience.

The verses blend personal reflection with broader commentary, celebrating a spirit unbowed by persecution and committed to the idea that every soul deserves its own liberty. Rich, rhythmic language carries the reader from the cramped streets of Salem to the remote valleys of the Narragansett, where the exile finds both hardship and hope. Listeners will be drawn into a meditative journey that honors resilience, the yearning for spiritual truth, and the timeless struggle between authority and individual belief.