Goliath

When I asked Saul for a warrior, I had no idea it would be you.

I underestimated your anger in the marketplace. I scorned you



because you were beautiful and softer than the whores of Gath,

a look from which I could not turn or face. I scorned you



as Ishbi-benob watched, my brother with his lack of judgment,

and all the others who haunt that space. I scorned you



after a week of battles, the steady beat of marching and shrill

ram’s horn in my ear. Since I could not chase, I scorned you.



Long has Orpah told tales of the sons of Israel, with flashing

eyes and a stealth no one can trace. I scorned you



because you made me weak in the presence of my troops,

reduced a great soldier to an old man’s pace. I scorned you



when you rattled me in the Valley of Elah. Even when the

stones began to fly, the enduring disgrace, I scorned you.