We are gods, we tell each other, with the power to manipulate any corner of creation, whether daily weather or our own bodies. We expend enormous energy and funds trying to cheat death. We relentlessly pursue science and medicine, we talk at length about ""being safe,"" and we have decided we do not require God. We are experts at chasing after the wind. We are also a people of great despair and loneliness. We of the twenty-first century need to hear what the Preacher of Ecclesiastes has to say. We need to recognize our desire for what does not satisfy. Susan Erikson's poetry shows how much this life will always be a struggle between those desires and weaknesses, and God's hope; and that it is necessary to face our desires head-on with the word of God. Come find encouragement as you rest in him and in his promises.
Industry Reviews
“When we arrive at the last page of this book, we feel as though a wise friend has stood by us and enabled us through wise counsel to handle the illusions of life, the regrets of our choices, the questions we raise, the aging we endure, and the ordinary ravishments of daily life we may have forgotten but now cherish again. And all along, it turns out, the God of wise love has been holding onto us. Because we are his, and he, by his lavish grace, is ours. These poems offer a kind of wisdom-formation in Christ, filling our days with tasted truth and sturdy hope.”
—Zack Eswine, author of Recovering Eden: The Gospel according to Ecclesiastes
“Susan Erikson’s well-crafted free verse beautifully covers the thematic terrain of the entire book of Ecclesiastes. The oral and mnemonic power of poetry takes center stage in free verse because it resembles ordinary speech, but artfully condenses language and seasons it with internal cadence and rhyme. This fine poetry should be a significant aid to Bible study.”
—Gregory Edward Reynolds, pastor emeritus, Amoskeag Presbyterian Church
“It is rare to find a book of poetry that touches the soul so deeply that it serves as both a great work of art and as a devotional. Yet that is exactly what Susan Erikson’s Bones in the Womb achieves. A uniquely immersive journey into Ecclesiastes, Susan carries her reader through the ‘cry of the heart’ and into the arms of the only one in whom we have our hope and rescue: our Heavenly Father. This book is a treasure trove of depth and encouragement and a must-read for all.”
—Sarah Dudley, Children’s Church teacher
“Bones in the Womb provides a twenty-first-century perspective on the themes of Ecclesiastes. I found the poems to faithfully apply the Preacher’s vision to the modern world. I found myself, bound to an imperfect body in an imperfect world, still desiring to hear the good news of the gospel and the joy that only the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings to each day.”
—Mark Fink, veterinarian
“We may not view our lives as being full of futile pursuits, but Susan Erikson’s poetry prompts the reader to reflect on what we observe today that can frustrate and fail to satisfy. She brings a New Testament framing of Solomon’s book of wisdom with biblical allusion and a descriptive look at man’s ageless pursuits that encompass the deeply upsetting and truly beautiful. While thorough in relating life’s modern-day experiences, there is a Psalm-like hopefulness and expressive acknowledgement of God.”
—Kingsley Elder, follower of Christ
