Week 3 Story: Higgledy-Piggledy Palace

A Poem: Higgledy-Piggledy Palace

Abraham, fleeing Canaan, took in hand

his wife, Sarah – who was of extraordinary beauty

            alien to mortal eyes

as followers of God.

Love and God’s will

had them tied, bonds a test of time,

for Abraham feared

the splendor of his bride

as all who took to gaze

at the great mother of the Jewish people

were bewitched.

Coming to the edge of their past

and into the land of the Pharaoh

Abraham fitted a box

and Sarah climbed inside

to hide the loveliness of her countenance.

This charade failed

and as the chest was opened,

Sarah revealed

in plains-cloth

and looking even more

extraterrestrial.

The Pharaoh saw Sarah,

fell to his knees

in awe of her divine look

and demanded payment be given

to Abraham – in the guise as brother –

            for Sarah.

Alone with riches

beyond even a wealthy man’s dreams,

Abraham clasped his hands,

fell to his knees,

and prayed to his Lord

            for Sarah.

An answer came

into the great room of the Egyptian king

where he attempted to seduce

Sarah’s steadfast loyalty

into destruction

with promises of a kingdom.

With each step

towards the faithful servant,

Pharaoh was alarmed

as great blows

were aimed at his body.

Pharaoh could not

sit or lie or walk down the halls –

            the chairs and floors

            seemed to come alive

though a spirit,

standing invisible,

laughed.

Abraham’s faith

provided safe passage

through Egypt’s visitors,

who warned of their God,

the One God of the universe,

who provided for all.

Author's Note: This tale is my own take on The Higgledy-Piggledy Palace from Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends by Gertrude Landa.  I have put it into a poem.  When Abraham and Sarah pass through Egypt, the Pharaoh is taken by her beauty.  He desires to make Sarah a part of his harem, however, a spirit disagrees and sets to tormenting him until the Pharaoh demands the pair leave.

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