Fighting Words
       

There comes a point, in Deuteronomy,
when I can't help wondering—
is this the match that lights the eternal fire?

The injunctions to cast them out,
smite them,
and utterly destroy them.

The commands to
make no covenants
and show no mercy.

And just a little later,
the permission, if not
a direct order:

And if it will make no peace with thee,
but will make war against thee,
then thou shalt besiege it.

How much more I prefer those other sacred words
replete with possibility, and hope:
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

How much more easily, then,
the word Amen springs from my soul
to my mouth.

How vigorously I cling
to the belief that everyone
shares this preference.

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Copyright © 2020 Erika Dreifus All rights reserved
from Birthright
Kelsay Books
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission