The Blood of Rachel, a Dramatization of Esther, and Other Poems

A lyrical dramatization of the biblical story of Esther opens in the glittering court of Shushan, Persia, in 478 B.C., where dialogue is interwoven with song and verse. The first act pits the aging King Ahasuerus and his strong‑willed queen Vashti against a court of poets, jesters, and schemers, hinting at the political and personal turmoil that will soon erupt. Through the older minstrel Ahafid and the impetuous jester Smerdis, the drama establishes a vivid, almost musical portrait of a realm teetering between splendor and excess.

Beyond the drama, the collection offers a varied suite of poems that move from gentle reminiscence to sharp social observation, each rendered in clear, resonant language. Pieces such as “The Old Dog Irons” and “Morning Glories” display the author’s gift for turning everyday moments into lyrical snapshots, while shorter works explore ambition, faith, and fleeting joy. Listeners will find the whole volume a rewarding blend of theatrical intensity and poetic intimacy, inviting repeated visits to a world where history and feeling intertwine.