The King's Dreams

Seven cows, fat and plump, Feeding in the reed grass, Emerging from the Nile. Seven cows, ugly, thin, Stood beside for a while, Swallowing the fat cows up! Seven ears, plump and good, All growing on one stalk. Seven ears, blighted, thin, Swallowing the good ears up! Spirit troubled, king awoke, Called his wise and magic men: What does this dream mean, then? Cupbearer then recalled, “A young man in prison, With the baker and with me, Interpreted our dreams.” Then the king fetched Joseph And shared his dreams with him, Asked him what they might mean. Seven cows, fat and plump Seven cows, ugly, thin Fat cows get swallowed up! Seven ears, plump and good Seven ears, blighted, thin Plump ears get swallowed up! Then Joseph told the king, “Your dreams are both the same, They reveal what God will do.” Seven good cows and ears, Ample crop, bounty years. Withered cows, blighted ears, Bad drought and famine years. Dreams like this come in twos, Leaving little time to choose. Famine soon, and severe. Hurry now to prepare, A man of God can help you. The king was much impressed, Also, was much distressed. “We need a man of God. All this, He revealed, yes? Can you help save Egypt?” Joseph was then set free; He became the king’s right hand, Set up the granaries, The Lord then saved them all. (from Genesis 41)