Keith D Trestrail Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Joseph and His Brothers

 Joseph was one of Jacob’s twelve sons,
   and to the land of Egypt was brought.
 Sold by his brothers into slavery
   but ruled there in Pharaoh’s court

 And his brothers went down to Egypt 
   to buy corn in the famine lest they die,
 but Joseph was governor of the land
   and they bowed their faces to buy

 Joseph knew his brothers, not they him,
   and said unto them “I fear ye are spies
 come to see the nakedness of this land”
   but said they “nay, to buy supplies”

“We have from the land of Canaan come,
   my lord, we are all the sons of one man”.
 And Joseph said “if ye be true men
   fetch me your youngest in Canaan”

“Go ye and carry corn for your houses
   but first bring your brother unto me.
 So shall your words be verified
   and ye shall not all die guilty”

 And they laded their asses with corn
   but their hearts did fail them for fear,
 and journeyed back to their father
   who grieved at the news they bear

 But the famine was sore in all the land
   and they returned the land of Pharaoh.
 Taking the best fruits and balm,
   and honey and myrrh to go

 Then once again stood before Joseph 
   who said “peace be with you…fear not!”
 And asked “your father, is he yet alive?”,
   they answered he is well with his lot

 And Joseph yearned within and wept,
   and with them drank and made merry,
 and did eat with them at his house
   lest on their return they grow weary

 But Joseph could no longer refrain
   saying “I’m your brother whom ye sold!
 Be not afraid for it was God’s will
   for a posterity on the earth foretold”

“Go and tell my father God has made me
   ruler over all the land in Egypt’s care!”.
 And Jacob and his twelve sons
   dwelt in the land of Goshen there


         Written: September 2010

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment