Samson and Delilah

Yesterday with its yearnings and sorrow
With shadows and sunbeams at length;
Have gone where the fears of tomorrow
Took a man whose conceit was his strength.

His transient raptures brought shame
From the temptress that ravished his soul;
Taking strength and tarnished his name
From the power he had that she stole.

Sleep on in the arms that still hold you
Let your eyes not shed all their tears;
For the hand that caressed has now sold you
To the sad treachery of defiant shears.

The Philistine put out his eyes
He was bound in fetters and chains;
The darkness that brought him captivity
Took the blood that flowed in his veins.

For the ransom of a corrupt Aphrodite
When strength was extinguished by desire;
The pillars are destroyed by the mighty
While his glory has perished in fire.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Loving Iii Avatar
July 11, 2022 at 10:23 PM
Looking at the metaphore of Samson. Attempting to write a piece of when his hair grows back and what Babbilon will be destroyed when he gets his strengh back.
O'Leary Avatar
July 17, 2013 at 9:38 AM
A sad tale... wonderfully portrayed!...Terry
May Avatar
November 4, 2012 at 7:45 AM
he was beguiled and betrayed ....a sad story......thanks for stopping by Elizabeth....love
Duncan Avatar
June 14, 2012 at 6:51 PM
love the way you put this together,,, have a blessed day ;}
May Avatar
May 28, 2012 at 6:25 PM
I just found this lovely gem...the strength of it's beauty...priceless...well done Liz..in the end he gave Glory to God...a sad story told beautifully by you dear poetess..love ..Joseph
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 21, 2012 at 1:43 PM
What a powerful piece! Again, your phrasing is outstanding, '...transient raptures,' '...sad treachery of defiant shears.' Neat classical references and marvelous rhyming. :)
Ball Avatar
April 1, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Just goes to show you that you can't trust anybody. Even those you love above all else. The only one who will never disappoint you God. Like they say, In God We Trust. All others MUST have Collateral God Bless and Happy Easter, A great write. JB
Williams Avatar
January 21, 2012 at 2:34 AM
Lizzie, very well written, missed this one til now, many thanks for your comments (your majesty) ha ha , I love the story of Samson and Delilha, there is a painting in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool by Soloman J Soloman of Samson and Delilha and I have been to look at it every year for the last 55 years, I just sit for ages and stare, it is captivating, well done Lizzie you stirred lots of memories for me..love David
Ball Avatar
January 15, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Yes indeed. Samson's story is so sad. Many fail to realize his heartbreak in reading this story. He loved a woman who was not worthy of being loved at all, and hge paid for it. He should have listened to his father's voice. Good stuff here. God Bless, JB
Northeast Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 8:17 PM
Well done Elizabeth- it is a sad tale, of love and betrayal and folly, love, Brenda : )
Pemberton Avatar
January 3, 2012 at 2:51 AM
Very thoughtful reminder of a lesson to be learned from the Bible. Thank you!
Song Avatar
January 2, 2012 at 5:46 PM
A fav Bible story put to a flowing rhyme..delicately precise!! Love, Gwendolen
Rhinem Avatar
December 31, 2011 at 12:29 PM
....Smile ˜ All is not what it oftentimes seems yet Faith is the garment that one must consider touching but the hem of.... ˜ Happy New Year to You My Dear Beautiful Elizabeth * My Love to You Always & Forever; John!:) ˜
Rhinem Avatar
December 31, 2011 at 12:25 PM
-18le ˜ Ahhhh, so much more unto this tale through time if one looks closer into its Light * My Dear Beautiful Elizabeth * I have often said that most every scenario in life is as a stone with many sides and one must turn it until they find what shall be Given they to behold * Sampson held many imperfections and broke quite a few requirements I might say were handed he as a blessed and chosen child ˜ Yet, history shows that he among many other blessed souls was not alone amid these falls.... ˜ But, I believe they as countless others were always afore known that they would and should come to be.... * Sampson, amid his last moments as the thief upon the cross next to * "GOD" * Came to repent amid his humbling and requested one last blessing from His Heavenly Father * Smile, his request was granted; a sign that Mercy had fallen upon his precious heart * As for Dalila well, she served her predestined moment in regards unto he.... ˜ Cont)
Effendi Avatar
December 27, 2011 at 2:10 AM
Such a mesmeric write. I have seen the old movie and know the story. Brilliantly written and rhymed!
Johnson Avatar
December 26, 2011 at 7:56 PM
let not the women beguile you, lesson of Samson is read, strength of will can desert too, till pillars fall down on your head... happy new year mate...
Austin Avatar
December 24, 2011 at 9:41 AM
How foolish is man, eh? I'm a way behind in my reading of everyone's Christmas poetry - doubt I'll be able to catch up, but you are among my very favorite poets and will always be among the first I will read. Merry Christmas. Love, daver
Breidenthal Avatar
December 24, 2011 at 3:57 AM
Very well written. This Bible story always intrigues me and you have presented so poetically well! Thanks for topping by to read my random rant! heehee Always, Laura
Horne Avatar
December 23, 2011 at 9:10 AM
Awesome write, Elizabeth. Wishing you a wonderful xmas, my friend : )
Nair Avatar
December 22, 2011 at 9:57 PM
soupmail
Aul Avatar
December 22, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Have a Merry Christmas......George
Minardi Avatar
December 22, 2011 at 9:20 AM
This is interesting how you told story through these poetic words, Elizabeth. I'm sorry I got held up by Sims in FB, hahaha.. that game just addictive for me. This poem should close my night. I wish you a great time always :)
Pettit Avatar
December 21, 2011 at 10:26 PM
While I read this, I could see the images of Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr in that cinema classic directed by the late great Cecile B. DeMille. Your writing was that good!
Hall Mad Poet Avatar
December 21, 2011 at 8:47 PM
This is awesome Girlfriend. You have a beautiful way of making me see thing differently. That's one of the many reasons why I love you. Have a happy and merry Christmas. XXX
Andresen Avatar
December 21, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Very well written Elizabeth.Thank you. A peaceful Christmas I wish for you and yours famely. OXOX Love Anne-Lise
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