Lives withdrawn

I

I have gathered a few companions and withdrawn to the mountains
to nurse the innocence that is vanishing from this age
I left behind the fields of bloodshed
and I mourn like a crone even though I am an unmarried maiden

A land at war cannot be fertile
A nation criss-crossed by army tracks cannot raise children

My father Jephthah was a man of peace
and would reason with the aggressor rather than glory in attacks

But twice he was goaded into battle
and I couldn’t live with it

II

Where you sleep last night, GomerI dint sleep, I’as just elevatin’ my spirit at Coco Lounge, till the sweet dawn caught me in the eye and I woke with my head on the counterBad news, those establishments. The lecherous spirit in their guts has turned them against God. How about Dewayne, he thereDon’t you add any brands to the firepits in your breast about those guys, Hosea. I loves you, you know that.Please quit those places of sin, Gomer. I proclaim the faith. I needs you to bear my children and support my preachin’.I would love to bring you children and see them become envoys to the nation, Hosea. I could do that if’n you swears to be a ’sponsible master o’ my household.Gomer, I am betrothed to you in righteousness, in goodness and mercy. Say “my man” not “my master” to me.If’n that’s what you want, Hosea. Sure will be sorry to withdraw from those crystalline enchantments, though.

III

I went to the town fouled with silt

As I withdrew from the riverbank where

I received Elijah’s mantel

All the sages praise Elijah

But am I not even greater than he?

I received a double portion of his spirit

I cured more people than he

I never despaired as he did

I had many disciples, whereas he had only me to follow him

So I purified that town’s water

And as I went on my way

A mob of young men sprang from the forest to taunt me

They took a big risk

For bears wander those woods, and those beasts are viscious

But I feel no compassion for the ragmuffins who waylaid me

Their hate arose because

they were raking it in by selling flasks of water to a thirsty population

I was the one who brought God’s miracle and ended their scam

Scalliwags! Extortionists!

Reap the profits of righteous retribution!

Andy Oram
September 7, 2026

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