Hakafot by Lisa Malul

Column 11. September 10, 2018. Introduction by Benjamin Daniel Lawless.

Hakafot is a Hebrew word meaning “to circle,” specifically referring to the Battle of Jericho. This poem by Lisa Malul is an honest portrait of a couple, the two individuals that make a relationship, and the details that bind them to one another.

Photo courtesy Brian Landis

Hakafot

by Lisa Malul

for Jacov

This mix of brass, steel and
finely sanded wood

a gift from his father.

He carved seeds into masks,
sharpened arrows,

recognized walking sticks
in the forest,

invited them home to take shape,

give a body balance
on the path.

***

All the while seed and soil, sowing and reaping.

Hakafot, our steps, seven times around each other,
just as Joshua circled the walls of Jericho.

What path brought you, my harvest, my love.

Poem copyright © 2018 by Lisa Malul. Poem printed by permission of Lisa Malul.
Introduction copyright © 2018 by Solo Press, written by Benjamin Daniel Lawless.

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Toast was a weekly email newsletter that ran from July 2018 to March 2019. All of the pieces from Toast’s run and more can be read in Solo Novo 5/6.

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