"If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn, [He] will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem."

​L. Cohen

Latter-day Grooks - Vol. 3

From the Words and Wisdom of Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Grooks were initially created by the Danish poet Piet Hein (1905–1996), who wrote over 7000 of them in both the Danish and English languages. A grook (‘gruk’ in Danish) is a short aphoristic poem or rhyming aphorism. Literary experts suggest that the term ‘gruk’ is a compilation of the Danish words’ GRin and sUK,’ meaning to laugh and sigh, but Piet Hein said he felt that the term came to him out of thin air.
 
Aphoristic collections, known as wisdom literature, are prominent in Western civilization. They have had a profound impact on the canons of ancient societies, such as the works of the sutra literature of Hinduism and Buddhism, the Biblical Ecclesiastes, Islamic hadiths, the golden verses of Pythagoras, Hesiod’s Works and Days, the Delphic maxims, and Epictetus’ Handbook. 

Hein's grooks were meant to be a spirit-building, coded form of passive resistance. The grooks are multi-faceted and characterized by irony, paradox, brevity, precise use of language, rhythm, and rhyme. They were often satiric.

In this volume of Latter-day Grooks, the author Bill Wylson cites the words and teachings of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and expresses his ideas in the form of latter-day grooks.  

Also from Bill Wylson and Green Stem Media:

Latter-day Grooks
​Volume 1

Uncover the profound insights hidden within the witty verses of Latter-day Grooks. These humorous yet thought-provoking poems offer a unique perspective on life, encouraging readers to think critically and laugh simultaneously. ​​In this compelling volume, the author delves into the profound wisdom of President Russell M. Nelson, esteemed prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

​Through the lens of latter-day grooks—concise and insightful verses—the author captures the essence of President Nelson's teachings on faith, love, and service. Each grook serves as a powerful reflection on spirituality and personal growth, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind President Nelson's words. 
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As readers explore these poignant verses, they are guided on a journey towards spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection to their own beliefs. This unique blend of poetic expression and prophetic teachings creates a captivating tapestry that will inspire individuals from all walks of life.

​Each poem is carefully crafted, providing both entertainment and food for thought. If you're a fan of clever rhymes and insightful wit, Latter-day Grooks - Volume 1 is your next must-read.

Latter-day Grooks: Volumes One & Two
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Piet Hein

What Are Grooks?

Grooks were originally created by the Danish poet Piet Hein, (1905–1996) who wrote over 7000 of them in both the Danish and English languages. A grook (‘gruk’ in Danish) is a form of short aphoristic poem or rhyming aphorism. An aphorism is a concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. 
​Some say that the name "gruk" is short for "grin & suk" (literally, 'laugh & sigh'), but Piet Hein said he felt that the word had come out of thin air.

Who Is Piet Hein?

Piet Hein was confronted with a dilemma when the Germans first occupied Denmark. He felt he had three choices; do nothing, flee to neutral Sweden, or join the Danish resistance movement. So, he joined the Resistance.
​Hein’s greatest weapon was his pen. His grooks were meant to be a spirit-building, coded form of passive resistance. The grooks are multi-faceted and characterized by irony, paradox, brevity, precise use of language, rhythm, and rhyme. They were often satiric in nature.
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What Are Latter-day Grooks?

Award-winning poet, Bill Wylson, believes “the Latter-day Saints are in a  resistance movement of our own. We are fighting the forces of evil and resisting the temptations of Satan. It would be tragic if we lost our faith in a moment of crisis and threw away the blessings of eternity.” In this volume, the author has attempted to cite the words and teachings of President Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to express his ideas in the form of latter-day grooks.