With the dawn of Advent and a new church year this coming weekend, we are launching a new feature on our website, a weekly post of poetry that resonates with the lectionary readings for that week (Revised Common Lectionary).
*** Narrative Lectionary ***
Lectionary Reading: Esther 4:1-17
CLASSIC POEM:
Esther
Christina Rossetti
“I, if I perish, perish”—Esther spake:
And bride of life or death she made her fair
In all the lustre of her perfumed hair
And smiles that kindle longing but to slake.
She put on pomp of loveliness, to take
Her husband thro’ his eyes at unaware;
She spread abroad her beauty for a snare,
Harmless as doves and subtle as a snake
She trapped him with one mesh of silken hair,
She vanquished him by wisdom of her wit,
And built her people’s house that it should stand:—
If I might take my life so in my hand,
And for my love to Love put up my prayer,
And for love’s sake by Love be granted it!
*** This poem is in the public domain,
and may be read in a live-streamed worship service.
CONTEMPORARY POEM:
The Book of Esther
Stacey Zisook Robinson
SNIPPET:
That blush on my cheek?
It’s paint,
And I have glittered my eyes
And robed myself in the finery
of silk and gossamer,
lapis and gold–
And whored myself for your salvation.
…
[ READ THE FULL POEM ]
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