Vachel Lindsay (Вэчел Линдсей)
Where Is David, the Next King of Israel?
Where is David? . . . O God’s people, Saul has passed, the good and great. Mourn for Saul the first-anointed — Head and shoulders o’er the state. He was found among the Prophets: Judge and monarch, merged in one. But the wars of Saul are ended And the works of Saul are done. Where is David, ruddy shepherd, God’s boy-king for Israel? Mystic, ardent, dowered with beauty, Singing where still waters dwell? Prophet, find that destined minstrel Wandering on the range to-day, Driving sheep and crooning softly Psalms that cannot pass away. ”David waits,” the prophet answers, ”In a black notorious den, In a cave upon the border With four hundred outlaw men. ”He is fair, and loved of women, Mighty-hearted, born to sing: Thieving, weeping, erring, praying, Radiant royal rebel-king. ”He will come with harp and psaltry, Quell his troop of convict swine, Quell his mad-dog roaring rascals, Witching them with words divine — ”They will ram the walls of Zion! They will win us Salem hill, All for David, Shepherd David — Singing like a mountain rill!”
Vachel Lindsay’s other poems:
- I Heard Immanuel Singing
- With a Bouquet of Twelve Roses
- The Potatoes’ Dance
- Our Mother Pocahontas
- When Gassy Thompson Struck It Rich
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