“And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” – 2 Samuel 3:39 (KJV)
You may listen to me read the sonnet via the player below.
These sons of Zeruiah are too hard For me. Stern and firm on the battle front, But they are no good among palace guard Where honest wisdom, and joy are in want. They are too hard: Joab and Abishai; Revenge took root made their lives a hell Their sole desire: to kill, Abner must die For the death of their brother Asahel. A steward received a talent to care For, invest, be returned some future day. Thinking his Master was severe and hard, He hid it in the ground, buried away Mercy’s not too weak, is a weighty price When spending it means, you lay down your life.
21 October 2023
artwork: “Joab Slays Abner” by Lucas Cranach the Elder [Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, revised 2019] circa 1530, 54.0 cm x 97.8 cm. HERE.
Backward Mutters 