My post from August 22 is a prose piece from this story! The Elijah poem I wrote is out for submissions, haha, but if you’re interested in reading some of my poems inspired by Old Testament characters— Heart of Flesh literary journal and Foreshadow magazine each published a few :)
An audio recording would be wonderful. I'd even volunteer to record them in my best English declamatory accent, given coaching from the poet of course!
Yes, Megan. I am so interested in the presence of the harp in a later story with Elisha in 2 Kings 3, so I took the liberty of imagining that the prophets "used" harps regularly. And somehow that was connected to receiving a word from the LORD. And of course, we see that in David's stories, stories that I think Elijah and Elisha were well acquainted with.
Mmmm, this is beautiful. Elijah's voice here jangles with so much confusion - what is a choirmaster supposed to do in a land without songs? What are we to drink when our very words are vinegar? And what is a prophet to do in a land where God feels silent? And yet his constant parentheses keep dragging him back to the place where David walked first. . . a place drenched in shadows where nothing makes sense, and the only way out is to follow the shepherd ahead. . . thank you for sharing.
Anna, I love this! Especially at the end, it reminded me of the Holy Spirit,, hovering, brooding over the dead world, breathing life! I has never er seen that side of it. I k ow Elisha does a similar miracle. I'm sure Elijah had access to the psalms. It is so very beautiful! Even Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel communicated I'm finding out. Yahweh knows prophets need strength from one another. Perhaps this is why Elijah had su h a desoindentcspirit, being more isolated? I'd love to get your book as soon as it's fully birthed!
Thank you, Lori. Yes, there are many connections between Elijah and the New Testament I think. The Bible is one big story! These Elijah/Elisha poems are not in my book, as that manuscript was accepted before I even started this series. But I am actively pursuing a publisher for this series! My first book of poetry, Under the Terebinth, became available as of YESTERDAY, actually. You can find it on Wipf and Stock's website or on Amazon.
I had to look up poleaxed. I guess it's pretty self-evident, but alas. Your comment here means so much to me, Christine. It is a poem that hits me hard, too. Thanks for your encouragement!
I can’t read your poems from this Elijah/Elisha series and not smile while reading each one of them. I just love them. I love the cadence and language every time.
Thank you, Loretta! My book actually went live YESTERDAY much to my surprise. You can buy it on Wipf and Stock's website (that's the publisher) or on Amazon. Please do!
Tohru, thank you, indeed. It was an unusual experience for me that I had a sense of this poem ending with some question about who would rise again, but it took me quite a while to get there. I'm really thankful it landed with you.
Definitely. The mind races and you start to make a million connections about Christ rising, or how it relates to baptism, the fear of will this also cost me my life? The question makes it like a parable that lingers. Each has to think through it. Who will rise? Great stuff.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. I'm heading back to read it again.
I'm so glad it beckoned you to return. And thanks for the restack, Margaret!
Oh my goodness I love this poem. I’ve been working this story out poetically as well, and really enjoying your take on it.
I'm delighted you're enjoying this journey. Where can I read some of your poems on these stories?
And thanks for the restack, Julia!
My post from August 22 is a prose piece from this story! The Elijah poem I wrote is out for submissions, haha, but if you’re interested in reading some of my poems inspired by Old Testament characters— Heart of Flesh literary journal and Foreshadow magazine each published a few :)
The alliteration is beautiful. Would love an audio recording to hear this one.
I just added an audio recording at the very top of the post. Thanks, Shoshanna!
An audio recording would be wonderful. I'd even volunteer to record them in my best English declamatory accent, given coaching from the poet of course!
Haha, no need. I just updated the post with a voice recording at the very top!
Good, I scared you into doing it lol. Thanks!
"Play the harp again
for us, for her"
Amen.
Yes, Megan. I am so interested in the presence of the harp in a later story with Elisha in 2 Kings 3, so I took the liberty of imagining that the prophets "used" harps regularly. And somehow that was connected to receiving a word from the LORD. And of course, we see that in David's stories, stories that I think Elijah and Elisha were well acquainted with.
Mmmm, this is beautiful. Elijah's voice here jangles with so much confusion - what is a choirmaster supposed to do in a land without songs? What are we to drink when our very words are vinegar? And what is a prophet to do in a land where God feels silent? And yet his constant parentheses keep dragging him back to the place where David walked first. . . a place drenched in shadows where nothing makes sense, and the only way out is to follow the shepherd ahead. . . thank you for sharing.
Yes to all these questions you've named here, Karissa. The questions I am responding to in the text inevitably beget more questions in me.
Anna, I love this! Especially at the end, it reminded me of the Holy Spirit,, hovering, brooding over the dead world, breathing life! I has never er seen that side of it. I k ow Elisha does a similar miracle. I'm sure Elijah had access to the psalms. It is so very beautiful! Even Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel communicated I'm finding out. Yahweh knows prophets need strength from one another. Perhaps this is why Elijah had su h a desoindentcspirit, being more isolated? I'd love to get your book as soon as it's fully birthed!
Thank you, Lori. Yes, there are many connections between Elijah and the New Testament I think. The Bible is one big story! These Elijah/Elisha poems are not in my book, as that manuscript was accepted before I even started this series. But I am actively pursuing a publisher for this series! My first book of poetry, Under the Terebinth, became available as of YESTERDAY, actually. You can find it on Wipf and Stock's website or on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Terebinth-Poems-Anna-Friedrich/dp/B0DH8LNQTL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S4MB16RBPM1J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2-8JXv28nFe1SD8TftIbTA.NBWuxwKmUNYh-wWfESLPmb53HWdYKWuTRjXua1lxhx0&dib_tag=se&keywords=under+the+terabithia+anna+friedrich&qid=1726852748&sprefix=under+the+terebinth+anna+friedrich%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1#customerReviews
The sound and the cadence ... stunning. What feelings these words capture.
Thank you, Mark. I find that I am reading my poems out loud over and over and over and over as I edit, looking for the music. Thank you for noticing!
Goodness gracious, this knocked me out! I’ve been poleaxed by a poem. I’m so grateful.
I had to look up poleaxed. I guess it's pretty self-evident, but alas. Your comment here means so much to me, Christine. It is a poem that hits me hard, too. Thanks for your encouragement!
I can’t read your poems from this Elijah/Elisha series and not smile while reading each one of them. I just love them. I love the cadence and language every time.
Levi, thank you! I am heartened by your words here.
So good❤️
The cover of your book is stunning!
Thank you, Loretta! My book actually went live YESTERDAY much to my surprise. You can buy it on Wipf and Stock's website (that's the publisher) or on Amazon. Please do!
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Terebinth-Poems-Anna-Friedrich/dp/B0DH8LNQTL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S4MB16RBPM1J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2-8JXv28nFe1SD8TftIbTA.NBWuxwKmUNYh-wWfESLPmb53HWdYKWuTRjXua1lxhx0&dib_tag=se&keywords=under+the+terabithia+anna+friedrich&qid=1726852748&sprefix=under+the+terebinth+anna+friedrich%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1#customerReviews
ANNA!
Yep. Crazy. I guess I skipped the whole pre-order hype season? Which, honestly, suits me just fine!
Wow. 🥰Love it! “Is your steadfast love declared in the grave..?”
Yes, Leslie! That question haunts this whole poem.
What a question…
Tohru, thank you, indeed. It was an unusual experience for me that I had a sense of this poem ending with some question about who would rise again, but it took me quite a while to get there. I'm really thankful it landed with you.
Definitely. The mind races and you start to make a million connections about Christ rising, or how it relates to baptism, the fear of will this also cost me my life? The question makes it like a parable that lingers. Each has to think through it. Who will rise? Great stuff.
I Love this Poem, Anna ♥️
Thank you, Heidy. You always encourage me! I'm so thankful for you!