Poetry. Jewish Studies. "With delicacy and a refined lyricism, THE MINSTREL'S SONG embarks upon ancient and modern themes like the meaning of language and poetry, the presence and absence of life and the purpose of Faith. Alyssa A. Lappen is able to navigate with courage in the complexity of her questioning and visionary understanding of life's ephemeral ways. She is a poet of great wisdom and her voice is both soft and courageous."—Marjorie Agosín, poet, author, essayist, and winner of Chile's Gabriela Mistral Medal of Honor for Life Achievement