Poets Connect

Fleeing from Absalom

Proprium humani ingenii est odisse quem laeseris,”
“It is the property of human nature to hate one whom you have injured.”

Oh king of Israel wise and true
What wisdom shall we gain from you?
Your life was wrought intense with fate
God alone stands by your gate.

Man of God, could you not bear
the heart of God that placed you there?
After Gods own heart even in your youth,
could you sustain and speak the truth?

Still, with God close and by your side
like Adam, shamed his tempted bride.
Repeated then results of sin,
Confirmed again, the fall of men.

Your sons lined up as prince to king
the line of David bound to bring.
A perfect man without remorse,
nor without you, play its course.

Revealed like plays upon a stage
Tamar’s revenge, long hidden rage,
alas, became the death of one,
befell with time to other sons.

Know now that lecherous hunger crave
prepares each man an open grave,
and yet no matter truth desire,
leaves every man, an effectual liar.