June 1–7 ❘ Eli the High Priest
Eli the High Priest
My life didn’t turn out as planned.
I expected obedient children
who loved the Lord. Indeed,
why shouldn’t I have them?
Does God not decide who is born
to whom, and am I not His servant?
Sons and daughters of Belial litter
the earth. Surely two such
would not be assigned to one day
attend His holy sanctuary.
I taught them from birth
their special status—set apart
from others with an inheritance
greater than lands and herds,
holier than fine houses filled
with common wealth.
I showed how to wash and pray,
guided in every sacrifice,
made them practice each ritual
until habit honed movement
to smooth rhythm of familiar grace.
I mistook pride for piety,
didn’t discern stolen license
in their eyes and smiles till,
it seemed to me, too late.
How often well-intended plans
go awry. How often
God’s miracles escape
the nets we set to catch them.
See Jeff Strong interview here
Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry
Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com
