Under the Terebinth Tree

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FranktheFrank
Posts: 1983
Joined: 02 Mar 2016, 18:07
Location: Between the mountains and the sea

Under the Terebinth Tree

#1 Post by FranktheFrank » 03 Jan 2022, 14:19

After the cut.
He rested in the ohel.
Waiting for the pain to ebb.

From the animal skin flap he saw
Simoom blow
with lightning strikes

that stirred
dust clouds,
and rumblings like the heathen.

Three dots shimmered in the heat.
He greeted them with hospitality
and the obligatory washing of feet.

He offered lamb basted in oil
with sweet berries and pistachios,
flavourings from the tree.

He sliced the meat,
using the purity of a flint knife.
Served the dainty pieces on matstsah.

Blessings came through the angel's eyes
in bands of burning beams so bright
that searched out every sin
to sear within.

end.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Under the Terebinth Tree

#2 Post by BobBradshaw » 05 Jan 2022, 00:00

I don’t know the Biblical story behind this, but I do recognize a fine piece of writing. I like the vocabulary that puts us right there. It’s also a joy to read the poem aloud. The sounds and efficient language make this a fun read.

FranktheFrank
Posts: 1983
Joined: 02 Mar 2016, 18:07
Location: Between the mountains and the sea

Re: Under the Terebinth Tree

#3 Post by FranktheFrank » 05 Jan 2022, 00:40

Hey Bob
best wishes with your poem for January.
Happy New Year, Bob.

BobBradshaw
Posts: 2683
Joined: 03 Jun 2016, 21:03

Re: Under the Terebinth Tree

#4 Post by BobBradshaw » 05 Jan 2022, 01:40

You, too, Frank… may you have great health in 2022!

Michael (MV)
Posts: 2154
Joined: 18 Apr 2005, 04:57

Re: Under the Terebinth Tree

#5 Post by Michael (MV) » 05 Jan 2022, 16:11

Happy New Frank!

I have read this several times, including a read in reverse.

Seems the poetry rises from the symbolism of the ritual.

Workshop-share for the finale:

Blessings came through eyes in brilliant
bands of burning beams searching out
dark sin to be seared from within.


😎

Michael (MV)

FranktheFrank wrote:
03 Jan 2022, 14:19
After the cut
He rested in the ohel
Waiting for the pain to ebb

From the animal skin flap he saw
Simoom blow
with lightning strikes

That stirred
dust clouds
Rumblings like the heathen

Three dots shimmered in the heat
He greeted with the obligatory
hospitable washing of feet

with lamb basted in oil
of sweet berries and pistachios
tasty from the tree

He sliced the meat
the purity of a flint knife
served on matstsah

Blessings came through eyes in bands
of burning beams so bright that searched
out dark sin and seared within

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