facebook logo   twitter link  linked in   viewpinterest

THE BARBARIC

streetwires


Abraham sheathed the sharp dagger of sacrifice
at heaven's command, and in obedience unbound
His son and offered the accepted ram.


But men who do not know the feel of a child
born in pain and aching to be free,
the feel of a suckling child held in arms --


eager for the nipple and the warm milk,
the soft press of cheek to breast, and fingers
that unfold in sweet, peaceful sleep --


those men who do not know would offer up
a woman's son and call the God of Abraham
barbaric, those men who will not sheath their swords.


They are the barbarous ones who, day by day,
A thousand thousand precious sons do slay.


- Druzelle Cederquist
World Order Magazine, Vol. 33, No3, Spring 2002

Poetry Notes at Luminous Realities blog