Israel's Girl
A song of dusk echoes across a bleak landscape
Bittersweet melodies of a life, self-assured and well placed
Incarcerating the heart of your betrothed as he seeks your hand
And labours seven years and seven more, to barter your affections
Vibrant shepherdess, you are a firefly, burning deep into the night
A second wife, some may say, though you are second to none
You are also a pilferer of unnecessary things
From the one of whose loins you sprang
Your husband, the only one
To ever wrestle with God
Your hand rests gently on a long-awaited distended belly
A sanctuary for the king of multicoloured dreams, his life will be chequered
His woes, many. For now he tiptoes on spindly legs
Plays hide and seek in your garments, his laughter like sunshine
That ripens boyhood grapes into delicious wine
In a different land, the time to celebrate motherhood, once more
"It's another boy" your midwife delights, as you name him with last breath
Your eve song plays quietly now, inviting
You to a pillar marked early tomb
A restful consign, conspicuous and well-placed
Still standing, up to this day.
A song of dusk echoes across a bleak landscape
Bittersweet melodies of a life, self-assured and well placed
Incarcerating the heart of your betrothed as he seeks your hand
And labours seven years and seven more, to barter your affections
Vibrant shepherdess, you are a firefly, burning deep into the night
A second wife, some may say, though you are second to none
You are also a pilferer of unnecessary things
From the one of whose loins you sprang
Your husband, the only one
To ever wrestle with God
Your hand rests gently on a long-awaited distended belly
A sanctuary for the king of multicoloured dreams, his life will be chequered
His woes, many. For now he tiptoes on spindly legs
Plays hide and seek in your garments, his laughter like sunshine
That ripens boyhood grapes into delicious wine
In a different land, the time to celebrate motherhood, once more
"It's another boy" your midwife delights, as you name him with last breath
Your eve song plays quietly now, inviting
You to a pillar marked early tomb
A restful consign, conspicuous and well-placed
Still standing, up to this day.