Posted by Naomi Firestone-Teeter
Just came across a lovely new book of poems by Esther Cohen entitled God Is a Tree, and Other Middle-Age Prayers. The publisher is dead on when describing the book: “You can’t help but smile when you encounter her delightful images.” For your reading pleasure, poem “Nine”:
Today I’m finally
ready to write a prayer.
This is it.
I had a Bas Mitzvah
a long time ago.
I wrote a prayer then, too.
God Is a Tree was my title.
Louis Savitsky didn’t like it.
Afterwards he asked me
why I had the chutzpah
to think God was a tree.
His daughter became a Scientologist.
This is my prayer for you, God.
Tree or not.
It’s more a song,
more Ry Cooder than Martin Buber.
I like them both.
You too,
on good days,
when I can sit
under a tree,
just sit.
Amen
A great gift for the holidays, and it’s only $10! To find out more information about the book, please visit here.
And, if you like this book, you may enjoy another title that Esther worked on with New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast called Don’t Mind Me, And Other Jewish Lies. A second little treat from Esther Cohen for the holiday season!
For more information about this title, please visit here.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Naomi is the CEO of Jewish Book Council. She graduated from Emory University with degrees in English and Art History and, in addition, studied at University College London. Prior to her role as executive director and now CEO, Naomi served as the founding editor of the JBC website and blog and managing editor of Jewish Book World. In addition, she has overseen JBC’s digital initiatives, and also developed the JBC’s Visiting Scribe series and Unpacking the Book: Jewish Writers in Conversation.