what parent
chooses one child
over another
or a people
sending frogs and flies
to prove a point
of preference
the blood on the lintels,
the bodies of children
shattered like clay pots
the shouts of those parents, echoed
are more bitter than any herb you eat
to remember the price
of freedom.
Susan Daniels Poetry 
“the blood on the lintels,
the bodies of children
shattered like clay pots”
haunting, Susan… very powerful
Thank you, Miri. Just came to my mind this morning.
A scathing indictment on the Judeo-Christian celebration of passover. Sometimes one looks at the middle East and wonder which God is right and which God should be fought for. It might even seem like these ‘Gods’ enjoy the diarchy as a sport for their amusement… Nice work
Obinna, thank you. I definitely have some issues with the God of the OT, and preferential treatment of some of His children… I think it would be in our best interest, as children of whichever God, to stop fighting over Him. Sigh. Of course, that will never happen. Happy Easter, friend.
So compelling, Susan. Your words well chosen and strong. Strength conveying fragility, and with it, the tragic power that sorrow imparts, the power to want, to do, to take action. At least, I would wish for such a world, one in which the suffering of one–especially of a child–evokes an immediate sense of loss and need in others. The history of a chosen people becomes a call to stand up for a neglected child. I know, sometimes I read my own thoughts into your writing, but that is one reason why I appreciate your writing so much–it does compel me to read. And to think. And to act.
George, thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me to have you say that, and, while I maintain that meaning depends on what the reader gets from the piece, the mindset I wrote from is quite similar to what these few lines are leading you to. Thanks again for such a marvelous comment!
Interesting how a bit of scripture can be seen in completely opposing ways, depending on the focus. Also strange how both perspectives could be true. And even odder that your rendering is both more obvious and more hidden.
Oooo–I like that comment, Georgia. You are making me think more of this.
We all play notes from the same keyboard, dear Susan, as you quite definitely point out to us, whether we recognize it or not. Another great piece of poetic writing…
Thank you so much, Lindy.
A very interesting intense poem, thanks. (As is your shrinks one.) k.
Thank you, K. Isn’t she amazing?
Susan, I like that these words go deep in the heart. Religion is a product of man, not of any God.So the limitations of religions are also those of man. Very nice, this one. Alice
Alice, thank you so much. Appreciate the depth of what you have to say here.
And I, you. Stay deep.
wow…nice..you hit some very emotional notes…having to choose between children…never a situation i would want to find myself in….ugh…the price of freedom as well is one we dont always weigh or consider as we should…
Oh, Brian, so true, what you said here.
strange but for some reason, this makes me think of the Israel/Palestine unending blood shed.
You did an amazing job to bring the horror of such decisions.
Jomul, you were in my head, right there. That is what prompted this, that and thoughts of that first Passover.
wow, I’m always amazed when connections happen like this!
Me too! Love when that happens.
ruh roh, not a good day to run into a parenting post. Methinks I should not be of opinion.
🙂 parenting of the god kind 😉
Reblogged this on Samueldpoetry442's Blog.
Thank you for the reblog, Samuel.
A bold but unusual look at a scripture narrative! Troubling! Probing! Questioning, yes deeply!
It still troubles me. Hope God does not mind my temerity to question.