Barsheit- In the beginning
The word was Bara- "To create"
The word was Baruch- "To bless"
The first sound- Bar- "son"
the word made flesh
And dwelt among us
Son baked clay and spittle
Five loaves and two fish
Lost in translation
Blood sinking into the earth
"Am I my brother's keeper?"
Not just puddle crying
Deep calling to deep
Generations unborn
Your brother's bloods
That were to be
Waterfall descending
Lost nation washed away
"He that saves a life, saves a world"
If I can sooth strife
Suck the snakebite of hate
Salt of earth singing love
In the tongues of men and angels
Rub oil's comfort into old wounds
Show black holes how to shine again
Turn inward gaze without
To kiss Father's face
If I can save you, I save the world
You are the world to me...
Author notes
Written on the back of Pania's "beyond the wave"
From Genisis 1, First John 1; I decry the sterile effect of English translation of Hebrew. The first sound of the bible from hebrew is "Son" in aramaic, the mother tongue of Jesus. It is made up of a three letter group that contains intrinsic meaning of creation, blessing, the head, the top, the leader...
The hebrew account of cain killing Abel uses a plural form of blood. All the children who were not... crying out to God...
the origin of the Jewish phrase "He that saves a life, saves a world," which you may recognize from the end of the movie "Schindler's List."
A contest entry
- Upright Spirit by Mirthryl.
1050 points, ended October 23, 2008, 11 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Congatulations on the trophy. This is an inspiring poem, and I am proud to have had a little to do with its beginning.
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We are all touched by every life lost to hatred and indifference we have allowed ourselves the indignity of numbness as a pretense for ignorance. Your voice, at time patronizing, tutorial, arrogant, pleading, at the end like the last prayer beside a grave. Well spoken, powerful last verse.
Peace & Light,
Tom B.
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You've touched upon so many things...so many Biblical allusions reminding me of several different sermons have heard that dug a bit beneath just the surface meanings. This is full of meaning and implication, but what strikes me most is the way it reveals the depth that is to be found in the Word. You have shown that the Word is alive, and is not just for those whose stories it relays, but is to those afar off... you and me.
The beginning seemed a bit clinical...like a mere list of terms to set up what was to come, but that ironed into poetry. Not a simple task, as I see it. Well done, poet! Totally enjoyed this.
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Engaging etymology, with relevent multiple aspects connected to the Hebrew word origins. From the beginning, Creator and blessing Son, made flesh.
I feel I am missing something with "Son baked clay and spittle," as what jumps first to mind from 'clay and spittle' is the miraculous healing of the blind man. Or do you refer to blindness to who He is in the hungry excitement of a free meal? Do I think of Him as often as I think of my stomach?
Outstanding "generations unborn, your brother's bloods that were to be."
Great metaphor, "suck the snakebite of hate."
Excellent concluding stanza, the works that we can do to lift and bless and follow in the steps of our great Exemplar.
Excellent conclusion. Another soul is a world, therefore you are the world to me; Christ can become our world; we mean the world to Him, as evidenced by His willingness to suffer and die for our benefit.
Beautiful thoughts. Thank you for sharing them.
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You are not missing much. Both '5 loaves, 2 fish,' and 'clay and spittle' are references to miracles that credentialled Christ. It is also a reference to 'from the dust of the earth' that both flesh and wheat are formed from. it is a comment on incarnation of God in flesh. 'Son baked' refers to the assertions in the beginning of First John that Jesus participated in creation. It also refers to his moniker "Bread of Life" (communion?) from which one never hungers... Like "living water" with the woman at the well.
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Bar Shalom!
I was almost in tears as I read this. So much depth & meat! Bravo. This way outshines my entry! I see that I've met a Bible Scholar! Nice to met you & to read your amazing poetry. I'm sure you'll do well in this contest. 
HalleluYah! Yah bless you friend.
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You have written from your heart and it is beautiful and meaningful. I love to read this.
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