
Did you know that Timbrel was first published in 1998? With Cathleen Hockman-Wert as editor, the publication takes it name from the story of Miriam and her timbrel. The following poem by Judith Miller was printed in the very first issue of Timbrel, January-February 1998 on page 7.
Jochebed
Mother of Moses of Aaron of Miriam
Did she live to know them
To go with them
Out of bondage across the dread sea
Into the desert
Did she see her daughter, Miriam
Miriam, prophetess
Take timbrel in her hand to dance
While all the women followed
Danced with her singing
Well might they sing
That night
In the desert under the stars
And dance
In the black clear cold
With their daughters about them
And their sons
Judith Miller
“Timbrel In Her Hand” (1988), a music drama with poetry by Judith Miller and music by Carol Ann Weaver, has been performed multiple times in Canada and the U.S., including the Normal ’89 Mennonite Church convention. Carol Ann teaches music at Conrad Grebel College, and Judith teaches Enlgish at Renison College, both schools associated with University of Waterloo.
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