Queen Esther of the Bible times,

These things I want to know,

When the king sent men to fetch you

Did you really want to go?

The king claimed you in your youth,

When you were sweet and fair.

Did you leave behind a lover,

Grieving and in deep despair?

Pretty little Jewish Esther,

Did you want to be the queen

Of the man who held you captive,

So temperamental and mean?

In the year that you were waiting

To become his queen and bride,

Were you very apprehensive,

Or overcome with youthful pride?

You were Yahweh’s chosen vessel;

Chosen to fulfill his plan.

When your life was so disrupted,

Did you truly understand?

Were you weeping in your pillow,

Or could you perceive the glory

Of having every Christian convert,

Marvel at your unique story?

December 19, 1999