Gershon Wolf Poet Narrative

A Holiday Tale

A commoner King usurps the crown
   Marries a blueblood of royal renown
Drunk as can be, in an imperial mood
   Orders the Queen to appear stark nude
Before his commoner friends, no less
   She refuses, of course, precipitating a mess

The King has the Queen killed
   Then sobers up and isn't too thrilled
At the loss of great beauty
   For just doing his duty
To ensure that every man is king of his castle
   Not subject to wifely disobedience or hassle

So, he holds a beauty contest, and the girl who won
   Won't tell her real name, who she is, where she's from
'Til the day she tells the King that his right-hand man
   Is plotting to kill her, her family and all Jews in all lands

Wicked Haman is hanged, and the Jews skirt disaster
   The Holiday of Purim's today ~ May we never outlast her   



       According to Jewish tradition, the Coming of the 
    Messiah will cancel all Jewish festivals---except Purim.

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Lindsay Laurie March 11, 2020 at 6:58 PM Excellent Gershon ... such a tale in poetic form for the uninformed like me - thanks Gershon - Lindsay Gershon Wolf March 11, 2020 at 8:38 PM Well, glad to be of some small service here, Lindsay. Thanks, Gershon

Kim Rodrigues March 11, 2020 at 6:37 AM Boo Haman! A lovely queen for such a time as this, one willing to die for her people, one full of grace. Love your synopsis! Gershon Wolf March 11, 2020 at 8:37 PM You are probably one of the very few who knows the whole story, so your encouragement is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Kim. Best wishes, Gershon

Ilene Bauer March 10, 2020 at 3:52 PM an excellent retelling of the story, gershon! i just finished a poem about hamantaschen - hope you get to eat some and enjoy the holiday... Gershon Wolf March 10, 2020 at 5:25 PM Thanks, Ilene. Time to nosh some hamentash! Happy Purim again! :) gw

Michelle Faulkner March 10, 2020 at 1:41 PM Not only is this an excellent poem, but educational too, I have not heard of this before - it makes me think of the word 'purge' - do you think there's a connection? Gershon Wolf March 10, 2020 at 5:23 PM Well, nice try. The word 'pur' means 'lot' as in 'lottery.' Turns out that this lot would have turned into a purge, had it not been for the valiant efforts of the Queen (Esther). Thanks, Michelle. ~ Gershon