— A Stranger in a Strange Land

Five shepherds stood
before the throne,
dust of Canaan still
in the folds of their robes.
“Let your servants
settle in Goshen.”
And Pharaoh said,
“The best of the land is yours.”

*

Then an old man was led in.
“How many are your years?”

“One hundred thirty
years of pilgrimage,
few and hard.”

And the stranger
lifted his hands
and blessed the king.

The one with nothing to prove
gave blessing
to the one with everything.

*

Outside, the famine deepened.
Silver ran out.
Then horses, sheep, and donkeys.
Then fields.
Then the people themselves.

“Give us seed,
that we may live and not die.”

Joseph gave them seed:
one fifth for Pharaoh,
four fifths for their children.
“You have saved our lives.”

*

In Goshen
Israel grew fruitful
and multiplied.

Seventeen more years.
One hundred forty-seven in all.

Then Jacob called his son.
“Put your hand under my thigh.
Do not bury me in Egypt.
Carry me to my fathers.”

“I will.”
“Swear it.”
And Joseph swore.

*

Fed by Egypt,
welcomed by Egypt,
Jacob still did not belong to Egypt.

Take today’s bread with gratitude
and keep your eyes on the promise.

At the head of his bed
the old pilgrim bowed,
not in defeat
but in trust,
already turned
toward home.