A Song of Esther
By Sam Gold

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A Song of Esther
By Sam Gold

The hour our ghostly children ceased to sing,
Although not yet forbidden to be wise,*
I sought the golden scepter of the king.

Fearing he might hold his seal and ring
I banqueted the serpent in disguise
The hour our ghostly children ceased to sing.

What ashen words my ailing lord would bring
Proved my heartbeat, conquering all lies.
I sought the golden scepter of the king.

The day was like a swallow with no wing.
He took no raiment, watched the darkness rise.
The hour our ghostly children ceased to sing.

I fasted long, my soul unraveling,
Marshaled every thought against their cries.
I sought the golden scepter of the king,

Who turned our dread to glory in the spring,
The earthly toll of men anatomized.
The hour our ghostly children ceased to sing,
I sought the golden scepter of the king.

*Cf. Milton, PL, ix.759.

© Sam Gold 1995