A Solid Promise

About the poem: this poem was an assignment about King David and one of his wives...during a Jewish writer's retreat in Washington, DC.

 

 

A Solid Promise

     *King Saul offered Michal in marriage to David as bait

 

 

 

Dear Cousin,

 

I am a solid promise

 

in seven days I am to marry my father’s champion,

a shepherd boy with Oneness of spirit, graceful with

music, he talks with command, fights with skill and

daring, the people sing in the streets when he returns

from battles leaving his note in myriad memories.

 

I am a solid promise

 

through blurred tears words go unspoken, the palace

doors stand vacant. The king’s eyes speak honor; I am

content to abide, one obligated kiss and I am led to the

altar to seal the deal. Would you come for a day or two to

ease my father’s mind, I am alone and afraid of his anger.

 

I am a solid promise

 

despite my resentment I am growing in-love with David;

his presence excites me, I worry when he is away and

rejoice upon his return, but why love him when his lust

is for his battles and men . . . still, at eventide, I yearn

for his silhouette within the shadows of olive trees.

 

                 Michal