Solomon's Treasure

Solomon’s Treasure

Warm gold, perfumed spices,

Winking gems from Sheban fleets

Escort a silky palanquin

Brave mirage and desert steam

Rich parcels, camel high

Trail through sweet palm-bordered pools

Then snake across Arabian nights

On highest quest for rarest jewel

…

The graceful queen in flowing gowns

Admired Solomon’s treasure

Silver plates, golden crowns

Servants for his pleasure

She drew her breath and bowed down low

To the king who stood before her

Such beauty I have never known

What truly awesome grandeur!

At length the royal two

Over varied matters poured

Stately matters, natural wonders

Their ancient world explored

A keen mind probed the kingly host

With questions as she pleased

He answered every tricky time

With quick, insightful ease

The marvelling lady finally asked

What tickled at her brain

I see behind your knowledge vast

A grace I long to gain!

The wise king gave a knowing smile

A sparkle in his eyes

Then looked intently at the queen

Began to eulogise:

Though youth reigns in this earthly frame

I walk an ancient path

With footprints of great men who came

Made light my pilgrim task

To find true wisdom, birthed of God

Crafted from of old

Brought forth ‘ere creation’s dawn

Prince upon ken’s throne

Abraham bequeathed to us

A vast and boundless Faith

Childless, old and bent down low

Never toppled from his base

He stood firm on Promises

That came from God Most High

That this aged man should have a son

The Lord did not deny

Enter Jacob who even dared

To wrestle hard with God

All night long they grappled, strained

Until the break of dawn

The crooked man was truly bent

On that one, true thing of worth

A touch from God that brought a limp

Reversed his Name from birth

Forget not great grandmother Ruth

That queenly Moabite sage

Clung to Naomi, would not let go

‘Til penned upon the Page

She bade farewell to all her folk

Journeyed far to distant land

Sweet honour outwit bitter fate

God couched her in His hand

I fondly recall my father

Mighty warrior and king

Nobility crowned his daring life

God’s Favour ushered him

He loved the Lord with all his might

Not a dram did he withhold

Passion flamed, wrenching came

Dross stained not the gold

These ancient portraits guide me

As the rudders of my fleet

I have pondered long and hard

Their values rich and deep

So cease to gaze, my regal friend

At the splendour laid before you

Set your sails upon the course

Of these living, breathing statutes

The queen fell silent, truly dazed

Challenged to the core

If a Moabite can have this Faith

My heart need not be sore

She thanked her host with graceful bow

A tingle deep within

I’ve found a crystal spring of life

The God of this great king!

©NnekaEdwards2001