Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BISMILLAH, by DAVID LAW PROUDFIT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BISMILLAH, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Forth from his tent the patriarch abraham stept
Last Line: The patriarch bowed in meekness. Great is god!
Alternate Author Name(s): Arkwright, Pegleg
Subject(s): Angels; God; Holidays; Thanksgiving


FORTH from his tent the patriarch Abraham steps,
And lengthening shadows slowly past him crept.

For many days he scarce had broke his fast,
Lest some poor wanderer should come at last,

And, scanty comfort finding, go his way,
In doubt of God's great mercy day by day.

But deep contentment in his calm eyes shone
When he beheld, afar, a pilgrim lone,

Fare slowly toward him from the flaming west,
With weary steps betokening need of rest.

When that he came anear, straightway was seen
An aged man of grave and reverend mien.

"Guest of mine eyes, here let thy footsteps halt,"
The patriarch said, "and share my bread and salt."

Then calling to his kinsfolk, soon the board
Was laden richly with the patriarch's hoard.

And when around the fair repast they drew,
"Bismillah!" said they all with reverence due;

Save only he for whom the feast was spread;
He bowed him gravely, but no word he said.

Then Abraham thus: "O Guest, is it not meet
To utter God's great name ere thou dost eat?"

The pilgrim answered, courteous but calm,
"Good friend, of those who worship fire I am."

Then Abraham rose, his brow with anger bent
And drove the aged Gheber from his tent.

That instant, swifter than a flashing sword,
Appeared and spake an Angel of the Lord.

In shining splendor wrapt, the bright one said:
"An hundred years upon this aged head

"God's mercy hath been lavished from on high,
In life and sun and rain. Dost thou deny

"What God withholds not from the meanest clod?"
The patriarch bowed in meekness. Great is God!





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