This small collection of poems was written in the course of a decade by an Episcopal priest approaching retirement. The inspiration for them came from the "metaphysical poetry" of the Seventeenth century English priest poets, Donne, Herbert, and Traherne. They were first used in his teaching and spiritual direction and continue to inspire readers. James Delmont, of the National Book Critics Circle, offers the follow description: Michael Tan Creti’s To Make Myself a Word is a marvelous collection of free verse poems and poetic prose reflections that provide a running commentary on life, faith and history – history that is both collective and personal. From the point of view of a pastor in the American Episcopal Church, the author muses, with irony and sensitivity, on ethics, memories, relationships, expectations, disappointments and the daily search for God in our lives. There is a skein of faith stubbornly running through these often exquisitely crafted word portraits that reward the reader with wisdom, continuing questions and even some answers. It is well worth reading – and not all at once.” Recently the text one of the poems, "The Father's Face," has been set as a cappella anthem by the composer Michael McCabe and is available from Parachlete Press, under the title "Seek God Face."