By midafternoon we’d come to the river
beyond which Esau’s henchmen lay,
The banks bright with chittering poplars
and a vista of wild olives and tulips,
pines and reeds. Gazelles nibbled
the grass while larks and finches fiddled
with their fledglings.
I stayed behind my entourage,
sent them all across in groups
by different routes in case my brother
and his hundred wolves should wipe out
my estate. I’d be safe; God loved me–
but I’d miss my riches.
Still, it was time to repair my wrong.
I’d cheated, lied, defrauded our dad
on his deathbed. Esau’s righteous wrath
had cause. And I had this:
Ewes with their lambs, goats with kids,
my camels, wives, donkeys, and sons.
servants, drovers, grooms, and goods:
my wealth obtained by stealth.
. . .
