Israel. 9th-century BC. Jezebel has killed the true prophets of the Lord, and Elijah must flee her wrath.
But he is not alone. Embraced by a shapeshifting goddess, counseled by a great angel, he is empowered to call down fire from Heaven!
In the spirit of Dante, Shakespeare, and Homer, this 12-book epic relives the stunning miracles of the great prophet as described in the Old Testament—fed by ravens, raising the dead, commanding the rain, calling down fire from Heaven, outrunning horses, ascending to Heaven.
But along with all this, the author weaves a rich thread of mythological influences: shapeshifting goddesses, shamanic journeys, dueling dragons, Queen Jezebel's seductions, and dissension in the ranks of King Ahab's bodyguard.
Raunchy yet reverent, and now joined by the author's own AUDIOBOOK narration, this timeless tale takes wing in the poet's pen, the poet's voice!

A Dangerous Prophet for Dangerous Times!

Elijah

ELIJAH — FREE Sample

01 — Elijah — Opening Credits

I have, at various times in my life, identified with Elijah's feelings of isolation and futility, and my imagination often conjures him collapsed in despair under a tree's shade in the desert, as described in the Old Testament. That is where this epic poem begins.

I developed the concept over several years, with John Milton's Paradise Lost always in mind as an exemplar of epic poetry in general, Bible-inspired storytelling in particular, and even the inspiration for my name, Abdiel!

My structure was influenced by Milton's too—starting in the middle and working forwards, while earlier events are unveiled in conversation between man and angel.

This reinvention of the Bible story also includes some "R"-rated elements. Readers looking for a more "PG" story on similar themes might prefer my "little epic", Obama's Dream.

Abdiel LeRoy

02 — Elijah — Preface

Elijah's life, as he alternates between triumph and trial, is a storyteller's delight. In one episode, he is single-handedly defeating hundreds of false prophets in a showdown on Mount Carmel, and in the next, alone in the wilderness and praying for his own death! And then of course, there is his spectacular exit, ascending to Heaven in a chariot of fire.

Elijah might also be described as a prophet's prophet, communing with angels, performing miracles, raising the dead, and in a time of great religious and political turmoil, fiercely confronting the powers-that-be. And who could ask for more perfect villains to oppose him than the wicked Jezebel and her pliant consort, King Ahab?

Elijah's story is also one of transcendent hope for those who have experienced depression or despair, as he did. For his life's work not only lived on in prophecies that came to pass after his time on Earth, but in the very similar ministry and miracles of his disciple Elisha, and of course in his eternal fame.

The vehicle I have chosen to tell Elijah's story—with a good amount of invention thrown in, of course—is epic poem, and I have used a variety of verse forms throughout. For the most part, Elijah speaks in blank verse, the angel Abdiel in heroic verse (rhyming scheme ABAB), and the narrator in Rhyme Royal (ABABBCC). Meanwhile, following time-honoured traditions of the genre, I have included passages of digression and reflection within the narrative, and these appear in italics.

I have also italicized the "Arguments" (meaning summaries) at the top of each of the twelve Books, and the occasional word for emphasis when the poem is read aloud. I have not, however, made many indications of syllable count for the narrator—such as when "Heav'n" fits the iambic rhythm better than "Heaven," "Israel" than "Israël," or "t'ward" than "toward." But a good narrator won't need that type of guidance!

Elijah is also extensively footnoted for readers interested in its literary allusions. Most of these are from the Bible, though I have not included obvious references to Scripture's main narrative on Elijah, which runs from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2.

Some historical context may be useful to the reader: After the reign of Solomon, Israel split into two kingdoms—Israel and Judah. Our story begins some 60 years later, around 874 BC, when Ahab succeeded to the throne of Israel. Concurrent with most of Ahab's reign, Judah was ruled by Jehoshaphat. Our story ends shortly after the death of Ahab's son Ahaziah in 851 BC.

Finally, a note about the seraph angel, Abdiel, whom I first came to know through the great epic poem, Paradise Lost by John Milton. He first appears in Book V of that work, when he is the only angel among the multitude at Satan's command to defy the call to rebel against God. He leaves the apostate ranks and joins the loyal warriors.

Later, when the two great armies of angels face off, it is Abdiel who delivers the first blow, striking Satan with such force that "ten paces huge" Satan back recoiled. So inspiring is his example that I not only changed my first name to his in 2013, but went on to give Abdiel recurring roles both in this poem and in my "little epic", Obama's Dream.

Enjoy!
Abdiel LeRoy

03 — Elijah — Introduction

Exemplars of this literary form,
The Epic Poem, usually write
An Invocation, and I will conform
To this convention of artistic rite.

Virgil, for instance, with a prayer began
To stir his theme of ancient Rome's foundation:
How fleeing refugees from ruin ran,
Forged in a foreign land a fearsome nation. 

A muse gave Homer his omniscience too,
Unseeing seer  of Ilium's battlefield. 
Imagination conjured, and gods flew,
Divinity in human form revealed.

And blind Milton with prayer chose to begin,
Light to illuminate his inner eye
Seeing the spawn of snaky sorceress Sin 
And Satan's flight, swift-winged, to Eden's sky. 

They demonstrate weakness becomes strength  when
Poets from Nothing everything create, 
When Inspiration hears inspired men
And Spirit from its origin emanate.

In this my own invention Scripture leads,
I shall retell Elijah's finest hour,
Envisaging the prophet's greatest deeds,
Our forerunner of speaking Truth to Power.

He called down fire and false prophets slew,
Conversed with Heaven's angel, raised the dead,
Summoned the rain, met God Almighty, who,
Having sent wind and fire, whispered instead.

To which fair daughter of Mnemosyne
And Zeus shall I appeal? Calliope
Inspires the art of Epic Poetry.
Erato,  add your voice! Melpomene! 

The Muse of Fire's ascendancy perforce,
Whom Shakespeare's Chorus summoned to effect, 
I earnestly entreat to steer my course
As well, beyond the reach of intellect.

'Tis that same power by which Ezekiel saw
Angelic beings, the great expanse of sky,
The fire-bronze likeness of a man before,
The Lord enthroned with four-winged seraphs by. 

I now therefore unto that godhead true
Appeal, that Thou encourage and inspire
Such flights of fancy as our prophet knew
When mounted in his chariot of fire!

And though we know the plot Scripture narrates,
Guide my conjectures, such as how God's word
Came to Elijah as the Word relates,
Receiving revelation as he heard.

The ravens, too, embodying miracle
Blessing Elijah, has Imagination
Seen through the lens of ancient oracle
As shapeshifters, beings of Transformation.

Now, brother poets too, who went before,
You cloud of witnesses  I call upon:
A double measure of your spirit pour!
I ask as he who took the mantle on!

To you, John Milton, I appeal most
Who more than any other has inspired
This work by conjuring an angel host,
Even some characters my musings fired.

Your opus was informed by dreams at night.
I would entreat for mine to be so too.
Sharper of vision than a mortal's sight,
Fantastic scenes appear to inner view.

And to the man himself humbly I call,
Elijah, who was forerunner of John
The Baptist,  saw the three disciples fall
On to their faces, Peter, James, and John, 

Now in your mastery over Death and Time,
Who reappears to shape our history, 
Incarnate in my pen and in my rhyme,
Unfold to me this ancient mystery

So that, with belt of Truth,  Salvation's crown,
The Spirit's sword, my tongue a gifted pen, 
I'll undertake this work to win renown.
Bearing the shield of Faith, I write. Amen!

04 — Elijah — Invocation

Elijah lies beneath a tree's shade in the desert, praying for death, then falls asleep. He is twice awoken and fed by an angel, who assumes a human form so as not to overwhelm the man of God. The angel is the famed warrior Abdiel. Elijah relates how he earned the name 'Troubler of Israel', his prophecy that no rain would fall in the land, his flight to Cherith Brook where, according to God's command, he would be fed by ravens. Meeting the lovely maiden, Adina.

05 — Elijah — Book I

Elijah continues his narrative. As Cherith Brook dwindled, his last night with Adina. Led in a vision to go to Zarephath, a city in Jezebel's homeland. Meeting there a widow preparing her last meal for herself and her son, named Mehdic. Promising her the supply of flour and oil would not run out until God sent rain. Elijah's enjoyment of a farmer's daughter. Trying to revive Mehdic.

06 — Elijah — Book II

Elijah asks Abdiel to relate his own story. The angel describes his sole stand against Satan's design to depose God, and his first encounter with the enemy in battle. Abdiel's role in other key events, including parting the Red Sea and the fall of Jericho, confirms he was present at Mount Carmel when Elijah called down fire from Heaven.

07 — Elijah — Book III

Elijah continues his narrative. A night-time vision prompting his return to Israel. On the way, a shamanic journey that sets the stage for a showdown on Mount Carmel.

08 — Elijah — Book IV

Abdiel and Elijah talk of dragons, then the prophet continues relating his story. Meeting the king's administrator Obadiah, persuading him to tell Ahab of his return to Israel. Meeting with Ahab, and challenging the prophets of Baal and Asherah. The contest on Mount Carmel. The coming of rain and a race to Jezreel. Jezebel's death threat, and Elijah's flight into the desert.

09 — Elijah — Book V

Abdiel prophesies annihilation of the house of Ahab and the murder of Jezebel. He then reveals Elijah's role and influence in ages to come, his spirit in John the Baptist, his presence at the transfiguration of Christ. Then Abdiel rejoins the other seraphim.

10 — Elijah — Book VI

Adina returns. The next day, in raven form, she leads Elijah's trek over forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai. When they arrive, she points out a cave in which he can spend the night. Their tender parting. Next morning, Elijah's vision of the Lord, who comes in earthquake, wind, and fire, and then in a whisper. Elijah is instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor and Jehu as king of Israel, who will wipe out the house of Ahab.

11 — Elijah — Book VII

Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard near his palace in Jezreel, but Naboth has refused to part with it. Jezebel seduces Ahab into allowing her to plot against Naboth and have him killed. Elijah's enraged challenge to Ahab in the vineyard, prompting Benaiah of the royal bodyguard to threaten him. Benaiah thwarted by his junior officer Eleazar. Elijah pronounces judgment on Ahab. On leaving, he is met by a boy named Elisha, whom he agrees to teach.

12 — Elijah — Book VIII

During a visit from Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, Ahab suggests they go to war with Benhadad, king of Aram, to retake the town of Ramoth-gilead. Ahab's prophets foretell victory, but Micaiah alone demurs, prophesying Ahab's death. Ahab orders Micaiah's imprisonment, but dies in battle, and dogs lick up his blood as Micaiah prophesied. Ahab is succeeded by his son Ahaziah, who becomes sick after a drunken fall.

13 — Elijah — Book IX

Abdiel overcomes Satan and four cherubic henchman to reach Elijah. He tells the prophet to intercept messengers that King Ahaziah will send to Baal, with the message that Ahaziah will die. The angel tells Elijah he can call down fire on any soldiers sent to apprehend him, but to spare Eleazar, who protected the prophet in the vineyard.

14 — Elijah — Book X

Elijah turns back Ahaziah's messengers on the road, with the prophecy that the king shall die. Enraged, Jezebel enlists Benaiah to capture Elijah, but the prophet calls down fire on him and his fifty soldiers. A second detachment of fifty meets the same fate. But Elijah returns with the third detachment, led by Eleazar, to Samaria, where he repeats Ahaziah's doom. Afterwards, outside the citadel, the prophet finds Adina waiting for him with wondrous news.

15 — Elijah — Book XI

Elijah and Elisha have been reunited as father and son, and Elijah has placed his mantle on his protégé. Together, they proceed to Jericho for Elijah's departure, followed by fifty prophets. After Elijah parts the waters of the river Jordan with his cloak and they cross over alone, Elisha asks for a double measure of his father's spirit. Abdiel appears and tells Elisha a brother angel, Zephon, will aid him. Abdiel unveils a field of Heaven's chariots and, together with Zephon, rides the chariot that swoops up Elijah and carries him away. Elisha gathers up his father's cloak and, with it, parts the waters again to cross back. There, he is hailed by the other prophets. They declare, "Elijah's spirit's resting on Elisha!"