Have you ever wondered what it would be like to know when you will die? In the poem below, I try to imagine Hezekiah's thoughts when the 15 extra years he was promised by Isaiah are nearly up.
Hezekiah’s Insomnia
“I will add fifteen years to your life. . .” 2 Kings 20:6
And what exactly did Isaiah say
those fourteen and three quarter years ago?
My brain was fevered on that deathbed day,
perhaps fifty not fifteen was the toll.
I need more time; fifteen is not enough
to do exploits, to sire, conquer, groom
Manasseh for the throne, his callow stuff
Hephzibah’s spells mold to a cursed doom.
Men long to know the number of their years.
How foolish and short-sighted such a thought.
Each beast and man I meet now raises fears. . .
Is this the one? Is he hatching a plot?
That sound! Those footsteps! Is there someone there?
Will this night sneak death angel up the stair?
© 2010 by Violet Nesdoly
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Violet, I enjoyed reading your poem... especially the very last line. I could almost feel him holding his breath in trepidation of what's might be sneaking up.........
ReplyDeleteYou got it, Brenda! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very thoughtful poem. It reminds me that sometimes we regret when God gives us what we beg for.
ReplyDeletePam Mytroen