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A Tale of Two Souls
by Shai Har-El
A Single Long Narrative Poem ~ 27 Illustrations and Pictures ~ 58 Pages
Price: $15.00 (paperback)
Publisher: Grants Pass, OR: Homestead Lighthouse Press (2022)
ISBN: 978-1-950475-21-6
To Order: Amazon.com
Reviewed by Michael Escoubas
About life on this earth the indomitable Robert Frost has said, “I can sum up everything I know about life in three words … It goes on.”
I do not know if Shai Har-El has read this quote by Frost or not. What I sense, however, is that this poet is responding to the constant renewing of life, no matter what life throws in his path. A Tale of Two Souls is the story, written in verse, by a bereaved grandfather, (the author himself) whose life-journey requires him to face the tragic stillbirth of his granddaughter, Maayan. Maayan has a twin named Eden who survives.
Shai (pronounced “Shy”) weaves a tender tale of two lives. Both lives carry within them immense value. What do we do when life surprises us? What do we do when the heart breaks into a thousand pieces? How do we cope? How do we find a path forward through the swamp of grief and loss.
A Tale of Two Souls is a visual and poetic triumph which responds to these questions. Shai’s technique features beautiful photos of nature juxtaposed by poems written as a story. The pictures remind readers that the visual world presents itself as evidence that God is in his creation. The poems develop God as loving two sisters physically and spiritually within the womb. Shai sees “connection” as important in the here and now as well as beyond.
Cover Imagery
The cover conveys a powerful message: Light framed by darkness. The two babies enclosed within the heart, shine within the darkness. The gold-embossed border and type draw the mind to spiritual wholeness.
Style & Design
Each page of verse is graced by two hearts intertwined. One heart is slightly bolder than the other. This contrast sends an imaginative message when linked, in the reader’s mind, with its accompanying poem.
Two Key Names
One of the twins is named Maayan, which can be either feminine or masculine and means “spring of water.” The other baby is Eden. Both names are significant within Jewish tradition and are important symbols for Shai. Shai sees God at work everywhere in life. A Tale of Two Souls looks for and finds purpose amid life’s setbacks.
The following quote from Psalm 127:3-5, highlights Shai’s source of hope:
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from Him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
As Shai deals with loss considering this text’s importance, his narrative shines light on a path toward acceptance, recovery, and deeper understanding of life.
As mentioned above, the poems are written in broken prose as a unified story. Dedicated to his eleven grandchildren, Shai writes at a level appealing to youth and at the same time, compelling for adult readers.
Initially, the poet lays a foundation based on a Hebrew tradition of life in the Garden:
It was an ordinary day in the Garden of Eden.
Archangels engaged in their usual tasks
in God’s palace, while souls
enjoyed eternal rest in the surrounding Garden,
taking shelter in its divine splendor.
“Go to the Garden of Eden,” said God
to Archangel Michael, “and bring me a soul.”
As he crossed the main gate into the Garden,
the Archangel encountered two souls
playing by the Maayan,
so called the central fountain in Hebrew.
As the narrative progresses, a fantasy-like charm develops in which Shai’s use of key names takes centerstage. Eden and Maayan become life-like symbols of God’s presence in the events (especially the tragic ones) we meet in life.
Key Themes
For Shai, Mission and Purpose standout. A positive thinker and motivator by instinct and profession, this poet refuses to succumb to darkness. His delightful narrative breathes the fresh air of heavenly dialogue:
“What’s your name?” the Archangel asked
the first soul that came to greet him.
“My name is where you are,” laughed the first soul.
“And what’s your name?” turned the Archangel
to the second soul. “Also my name is where
you are,” smiled the second soul.
The Archangel refused to accept their evasive answers.
“So, you both carry the same name?”
“Noooo!” giggled the two soulmates.
“I am Eden,” announced the first one. “And I am Maayan,
the fountain that feeds the giant rivers of Eden,” said the second.
“I thought Archangels were good with riddles.
Out of such delightful dialogues, (of which there are many), A Tale of Two Souls weaves a message of love and redemption that will stand the test of time.
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