Bethany Camille James and Sanford Shuman bring two poetic voices and two distinct Christian traditions together in their new release, Two Poets. One Journey. One Prayer Language.: Poetic Musings, Conversations & Commentary.
Built around 20 faith-centered conversations, the collaborative devotional explores rest, honesty, brokenness, surrender, identity, courage, freedom, mental well-being, healing, love, and purpose. James writes from a Pentecostal and Church of God in Christ background, while Shuman brings a Baptist perspective. Instead of minimizing their differences, the authors allow those differences to deepen an honest and welcoming spiritual dialogue.
Each chapter pairs original poetry from both writers with personal reflections, central questions, commentary, and symbolic artwork. The poems are intentionally placed in conversation, allowing one writer’s perspective to answer, echo, challenge, or expand upon the other’s. Recurring images of roots, gardens, open doors, stars, light, and gold-mended vessels help readers experience the emotional movement of the book as well as its words.
At the heart of the collection is a deeply human question: Can two people approach the same spiritual table from different traditions and still discover a shared language of prayer?
James and Shuman answer by making room for both faith and uncertainty. Their conversations consider what it means to remain still without becoming stagnant, pray toward the future while grieving the past, discover beauty within brokenness, and trust that growth may continue even when it cannot yet be seen.
“This book creates a table where questions can remain honest, differences can remain visible, and poetry can become conversation, reflection, and ultimately prayer,” James said.
The project grew from a deliberate creative process. The authors selected each chapter’s topic, wrote their poems independently, exchanged central questions, and then continued the conversation through reflection and commentary. This structure allows readers to witness not only the finished poems but also the spiritual and creative journey surrounding them.
James, also known as the Cassonade Poetess, is a published poet, author, songwriter, freelance cultural writer, and mental-health advocate. Her work is rooted in her fascination with the human condition and her belief that personal stories should be recognized as meaningful signals rather than dismissed as symptoms. Her writing frequently explores spirituality, disability, love, emotional healing, and the dignity of being fully heard.
Shuman, known creatively as LAST REAL POET Sanford Shuman, contributes a reflective Baptist voice shaped by faith, lived experience, and an enduring commitment to poetic expression. Together, the authors demonstrate how respectful conversation can build connection without requiring either person to surrender the distinctiveness of their voice.
Two Poets. One Journey. One Prayer Language. is intended for readers seeking thoughtful Christian poetry, spiritual encouragement, and language for experiences that may be difficult to express. The book may also support conversations within book clubs, churches, mentorship circles, creative-writing communities, mental-health and well-being groups, and faith-based programs.
The new release is available through Amazon at https://a.co/d/05YEqVYU.
For review copies, interviews, speaking opportunities, or additional information, contact Bethany James at bethanyjames052793@gmail.com.