John Richard Moreland (1891–1929) was an American poet, editor, and literary figure, best known for founding The Lyric (1921,) one of the oldest literary journals dedicated to formal poetry.
Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Moreland was active in the Norfolk Poets’ Club, which published The Lyric until 1928. His editorial leadership helped establish it as a platform for traditional verse, featuring poets like Emily Dickinson, Walter de la Mare, and Robert Hillyer.
Moreland’s poetry appeared in various journals, including Pacific Philosophical Quarterly. Notable works include Autumn: Verse (1937,) Evening: Verse (1930,) I Heard Wild-Geese: Verse (1933,) Illusion: Verse (1931,) and Resurgam: Verse (1924,) exploring themes of nature, time, and philosophy.
After his tenure at The Lyric, the magazine transitioned to new editors, later published by the Lyric Foundation in New York City. Moreland’s influence remains significant in preserving formal verse in modern literature.
Pray is not artful monologue Of voice uplifted from the son; It is Love’s tender dialogue Between the soul and God.
—John Richard Moreland
Topics: Prayer
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