Selected Pieces - Fiction

by Ian Maman, Georgia

Oh G-d of the highest high in the universe,
Grant me strength for the task at hand.
I, Able Abraham, of Whom Much is Expected,
Can only be your humble servant.
Revered by men and women in the community,
It is I, Abraham, Smasher of Idols, who calls upon you today.
Isaac, Beloved Son of Saintly Sarah, is with me now.
We walk along a righteous path to serve you
And we do not question your wisdom.
Holding our love for You in our hearts always,
And being dutiful to what you decree,
I, Steadfast and Abiding Abraham, ascend the mountain.
Though heavy of heart, I am prepared to do your bidding, Divine Creator,
And may it be thy will to guide my hand in this act.
I, Abraham of Obedience, shall not question your demand.
I have run far from the pagans and idol worshippers,
But question if I have won your favor.
Despite my unyielding devotion to your laws and requests,
My Lord, Knower of All Things, hidden and revealed,
I am asked to sacrifice my son, Isaac the Illuminated,
Born to Sarah the Significant in her golden years.
Just as we embrace your word, I beseech you
To hold fast to my Illustrious Isaac,
Protecting him in the afterlife with you.
Mount Moriah is tall and imposing.
The gravity of what you have asked scares me.
Yet, I feel you next to me, Powerful G-d.

The clouds surround us as swaddling for a baby
And I know I need to be soothed.
Oh Supreme Ruler, please show us mercy.
Take back this decree of sacrifice,
And let Isaac the Innocent live in peace.
The mountaintop is quiet, far from the town.
The animals surround us as though they sense
What is soon to pass; but no, I cannot move.
I, Abraham of Able Hand but Weary Heart,
Stand still, paralyzed with fear from the unthinkable.
Though unyielding in my devotion, I wonder
Is this the ultimate test of faith, My Glorious G-d?
Will you stop the decree of death?
Bound on the altar, prepared now to die,
Illuminated Issac looks up at me,
Incredulous, Questioning, Wondering Why.
At that moment, a Divine Messenger appears
A brilliant angel is revealed to me
Stopping the decree, with mercy and compassion.
My hand drops the sharpened knife resolutely.
The ram appears from the bushes, ready for sacrifice
And I know I have passed His test today.
I, Abraham of Humility, stand before G-d,
Filled with gratitude and incredible inspiration.
Tested by Him, I have passed, and my son is safe.
On my knees, I weep in awe of His power.
The animals tune in to the moment.
I imagine the Earth stands still in awe.
I head down the mountain with my son by my side.
For generations, this story will be shared
Every new year recounted as a remembrance
Of devotion by mortals and a testament
To the mercy and kindness of G-d.