by Anke Hodenpijl
The nymph of her emerges from the river, seeks shelter on the bankside of her mother’s arms. Unfledged, she spins into her dance, opens her arms like wings made of diamond light, and receives her life next to the river Jordan. There is no rushing in this place, only the flow. Imagine a young girl, unafraid, stroking the strings of her lyre singing into creation, only to be betrayed by a lamb and a snake. At the gloaming she hangs her harp on the willow, feeds the fish with her body, knows her song of Zion are sewn into the ribs of women.
Anke Hodenpijl believes the practice of writing brings her closer to life. Her work reflects on the intersections between immigration and assimilation, spirituality, family, racism, and sexuality. Her work is published in several anthologies and literary journals. She connects with other poets as a facilitator at the Art and Spirituality Center in Bakersfield and as a Critique Group leader with the Writers of Kern.