Book Review: An Axe for the Frozen Sea - Highly Recommend

I love Ben Palpant's voice as he narrates his books. I love his books. An Axe for the Frozen Sea provides another exploration for Christian writers, this time honing in on poetry. Palpant interviews 17 poets to dissect their skill and to explain why poetry matters. This book is especially suited to listening in audio form as Palpant recites poems from each of the poets he highlights.

I'm not a trained poet. Nor did I recognize many of those interviewed in this book. Yet, my book of prayers for parents of prodigals (Watching the Wayward) fleshes out the aims discussed here. Palpant says, "The psalmist is crying out to God and we find a kinship in those cries. We feel like the psalmist is articulating something we wouldn't otherwise know how to articulate." Like other poets, I was attempting to give words to those stunned into silence in the wake of their prodigal's chaos and destruction. Thus, I could relate to this book even in my fledgling attempts.

Palpant quotes Li-Young Lee, "People who read poetry have heard about the burning bush; when you write poetry, you sit inside the burning bush." I love that image! These poets speak often about helping the reader draw meaning, crafting images that speak of deeper things. They almost all come back to gratitude. I was struck by an observation considering how many poets are pastor's kids. Hmm. Interesting to contemplate. 

One poet gives a beautiful illustration. She speaks of millstones used to crush olives for oil: "Without crushing there can be no oil. I'm just an olive being crushed so that whatever I write can serve as oil or embalming." She encourages us to remember that God is working in and through us. We're all seeking poems that lead to spiritual dimensions or transcendence. Other poets speak of writing as part of healing. Robert Cording, who lost his son to overdose (the same crushing I endure), writes poetry of grief that testifies "to the One he found at the bottom." May my own words speak of His sure foundation!

I was struck by how many of these acclaimed poets enjoy the fellowship and sharpening of other kindred souls. Again, I feel the urge to find a writer's group. Another theme that stood out was the importance of hearing others read (especially in childhood). Many were drawn by the musicality of poetry read by their parents. What fond memories I have of listening to my mother read! And even more so, what delightful memories I treasure from reading aloud to my sons.

Poetry gives comfort. It helps us know we're not alone. Truly, I cannot wait for the next book by Ben Palpant (and I will make an effort to find and read some of the poets he interviewed). I'm including the image of the back cover because it contains a list of all the poets interviewed in this book: