Women in Praise of the Sacred

edited by Jane Hirshfield

I came across this book while working in a bookstore. It is a collection of spiritual poetry by women throughout the centuries and across cultures. It begins with Enheduanna, daughter of the Summerian King Sargon from around 2300 BC. One of the wonderful parts of this book is not only the poetry but the short biographies of the women who wrote them. And not only one poem from each of the women but a short collection of poetry. No matter what culture, time, or religion the women are from the essence of the divine and love is present in all. It is a joy to read and a wonderful book to carry with you on trips, as at anytime reading one of the poems can help reconnect you to the divine all around and within ourselves.

Reviewed by Trinity

Zi Ye (6th-3rd c. b.c.e)

All night I could not sleep
because of the moonlight on my bed.
I kept on hearing a voice calling:
Out of Nowhere, Nothing answered "yes".

(pg. 21)