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Bill Robinson
Faith expressed through poetry
Gentrys use writing to overcome challenges
RICHMOND — The Gentry family of Richmond — Hershell, Sudie and Thomas — is an unlikely trio.
They come from very different backgrounds, and each has had more than his or her share of difficulties in life.
Faith expressed through poetry, however, has helped each overcome daunting problems while bonding them together in mutual love and support. “It’s the common tread that holds the family together and keeps us on course,” Hershell Gentry said.
Sudie, who married Hershell in 2002, is recovering from the latest in a series of surgeries made necessary by the crippling arthritis that first appeared when she was a high school student. She began writing poetry after meeting Hershell.
Thomas, Hershell’s son by a previous marriage, began writing poetry while in prison. Now free, he has spent more than nine of his 25 years behind bars where he came to reflect on his life and the choices he had made.
Hershell, born in Richmond, was the son of teen-aged parents whose marriage was short-lived. He was raised by his mother and grandmother and has struggled with asthma for most of his life.
Their purpose in writing is more than just personal, however. “Our ultimate goal is to spread the message of God’s wonderful and unconditional love for all,” according to Hershell.
The Gentrys recently published a collection of their poetry in hopes that others will find hope, faith and salvation by reading it.
Titled “The Gentry Trilogy of Poetry: A Collection of 100 Poems,” the book reflects the distinct personalities, struggles and writing styles of the three individuals.
None of the Gentrys have formal training in writing poetry.
Hershell said he began writing poetry in high school, but gave it up after he was discouraged by the criticism of a college professor. In 1999, the year he turned 50, Hershell put pen to paper again and produced a book of poetry that he self-published as “The Profits of Learning and Dedication: The Final Chapter.” The book did “quite well locally,” he said.
His reading of a patriotic poem from his first book was broadcast by a Lexington television station, and he traveled to Reno, Nev., to receive an award for his work.
After Hershell and Sudie married in 2002, she began writing poetry, too, something she also had not done since high school. Hershell and Sudie also comprise a gospel duet known as The Soul-Stirring Gentrys. They are recording a CD of their music.
Despite the title of this first book, it was not Hershell’s “final” venture into publishing.
Because their spiritual poetry has provided healing and hope to them, the Gentrys decided to publish a collection of their poetry, hoping that others can benefit from their experience and faith. Thomas said he hopes that by reading his autobiographical poems other young people will avoid the mistakes he has made.
“Our goal to all of our readers is to encourage, entertain, inspire and lift up the spirit of someone who is feeling down or simply in need of a friend,” Hershell said.
The Gentrys’ book is available from their publisher’s Web site, www.publishamerica.com for $16.95 plus shipping.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.
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