Angel's Task: Poems in Biblical Time

by Laurie L. Patton

Laurie Patton's Poems in Biblical Time give contemplative voice to the reading cycle of the Jewish year. Replete with ancient imagery coming alive in the language of the present, each poem weaves scripture into everyday life while refocusing a single Biblical moment. In her vision here, angels are also messengers sent to earth with a single piece of work to accomplish. Although we are of so many minds burdened with so many tasks, as readers we again receive messengers and the messages they bring. Recognition may come in the angelic voice, and we can meet angels and ourselves at the tent door in the heat of the day. Angel's Task urges continuous awe-or trembling.

130 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

Reviews

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a successful undertaking. This book follows the weekly parshah schedule, and presents to the reader poems in the voices of foremothers and fathers, housewives, animals, and children. The author is both creative and true to the traditional text. Particularly impressive and of note are the poems for Yitro, Vayelech, and V'zot HaBerachah. Book is good, but not great.