Poetry

Pantoum for Rizpah

2 Samuel 3:7; 21:8–11

Blood for blood. I watched them hang you from the trees.
Seven sons slain as others harvest wheat.
The cost of making Judah great again.
A grudge. A famine. A plague. A king.

Seven sons slain as others harvest wheat.
I spread my sackcloth on the rock and stay.
A grudge. A famine. A plague. A king.
Through many pacing moons I grieve.

I spread my sackcloth on the rock and stay.
I fight off wolves by night and crows by day.
Through many pacing moons I grieve.
Love’s dire vigil will not turn away while

I fight off wolves by night and crows by day.
The cost of making Judah great again.
Love’s dire vigil will not turn away.
Blood for blood. I watched them hang you from the trees.