Bible Stories: Job (Chapter Vi) Poem by Dr John Celes

Then Job replied, ‘my anguish and
Calamity, if be measured,
They would outweigh the ocean’s sands,
And hence, I speak without restraint.

God’s poisonous arrows pierce me;
Arrayed are his terrors on me;
Why should ass wild with grass bray loud?
Do ox with fodder near-by low?

Can you eat insipid, saltless?
Does egg-white have any flavor?
Those are loathsome foods to me;
If only, God, my request grants!

Yet, God could crush me with His Hand;
Still I could exult from the pain,
As I have not transgressed His code;
What strength have I to endure then?

Aren’t there limits for my patience?
Is flesh of bronze and my bone, stones?
Have I no one to advise me?
Friends must be kind when strikes despair.

I can’t depend on my brethren;
They run like dried-up waterways;
Though heaped with snow, and once they flow,
They vanish in the ambient heat!

The caravans that go astray
Into desert, do thus perish;
Though confident, they turn hopeless
And finally feel frustrated.

You have become like-wise to me;
You’re scared to see terrible things;
Have I asked you for anything?
Did I seek gifts that you possess?

Did you deliver me from foes,
Or redeem me from oppressors?
Teach me and I will be silent;
You prove to me wherein I erred.

Your honest words though agreeable,
Your arguments can’t convince me!
Although your words are proof enough,
A desperate man’s words aren’t wind!

You cast lots on the orphan too:
Barter away your friends in deal;
Think over well, I’m still correct,
My tongue speaks sincerely always!

Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-28-2007