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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Alum, Former Administrator Publishes 'Midnight Verse'

December 15, 2009

Based on creative bursts he received in the middle of the night, Dr. Robert L. Lynn has published a book of poetry titled "Midnight Verse." Lynn is a 1953 Oklahoma Baptist University alum. He served as vice president of OBU from 1967-1975, including a term as interim president one year.


Lynn served as president of Louisiana College from 1975-1997. He took up writing poetry during that tenure when he discerned that students disliked speeches but loved verse. He has become a renowned author, writing 400 poems and winning numerous awards.

"Midnight Verse" consists of 54 writings of poetry that reveals Lynn's life of travel as well as other experiences, people and scenes he has encountered. The verses include "Running the Globe," which references Lynn's track training at OBU under Coach Eddie Hurt. His poem "Cancer Is So Limited" has been used around the world to give hope to people fighting cancer. "Galloping with Mohammed" and three other poems refer to his summer of service in 1998 as UNICEF's educational consultant to the government of Somaliland.

Lynn graduated from OBU with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He and his wife, Dr. Bonnie Lynn, both received OBU's Alumni Achievement Award in 1983. He has written or edited 10 books, including his first book of poetry, "Service Yields Its Own Rewards." For three years he edited "The Reach of Song," the poetry anthology of the Georgia Poetry Society. He also is a member of statewide poetry societies in Oklahoma, North Carolina and Alabama. He leads the John Creek Poetry Group in Atlanta and conducts poetry readings an average of 20 times a year across the Southeastern United States.

"Poems that touch the soul, stir the imagination, and transport you to far off lands, Robert Lynn's 'Midnight Verse' is well worth a read. And a re-read!" said Jill Jennings, author of "The Poetry Alarm Clock."

"Midnight Verse" can be ordered for $14.95 (tax included) from Johns Creek Press, 8020 Royal Saint Georges Lane, Duluth, GA 30097.