Shemot

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I

A new King rose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.

It is in our nature to be fruitful and multiply.
To grow strong when left alone.
To win Nobel prizes and invent technology

that turns salt into sweet.
So, centuries into our stay in the narrow place
it is no surprise the locals became nervous.

It may be the first time the Israelites
are referred to as a problem.
But it won’t be the last.

II

Every son who is born you shall cast into the Nile

This is where the idea of
the strong woman was invented.

Shifrah and Pooah,
the midwives who refused to

follow Pharaoh’s instructions,
who let the boys live.

Yocheved, who floated her son
down the river to save him from those

who would put him
in the river.

Miriam who followed a waterproof basket
who tricked a princess into

letting a baby return to
his mother.

Pharaoh’s daughter
who doesn’t get a name

who defied her father
and raised a Hebrew child

as her own.
This is where the idea of

the strong woman was invented.
There would be no Moses

without them.

III

Behold the bush was burning, but not consumed

Enter the reluctant hero
Shoes off and having a conversation with the Lord
Speech impediment and all.

Armed with miracles and
a well spoken brother.
Did I mention the fancy stick?

You’re not going to impress anyone
without a fancy stick.
Takes a meeting with the Pharaoh.

Tells him we’re Milk and Honey bound.
Doesn’t go well. Now the people
have to make bricks out of nothing.

The first reported case of kvetching
happens right here.
Pharaoh snickering in one corner.

Moses, the referee.
The Lord on the other side of the ring
dancing like a prize fighter

who hasn’t even started yet.

These poems are offered free for your enjoyment. If you use them as part of an event, meeting, educational or liturgical setting, please consider tipping the author.

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