Poem: Social Capital

Information and comments on the poem:

Social Capital

Life Will Get You in the End:
Short Stories by David Satterlee

from the book: Life Will Get You in the End:
Short stories by David Satterlee

Find out more, including where to buy books and ebooks

Read or download this story as a PDF file at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4eNv8KtePyKVXVsQ1BmUkRfUXM/edit?usp=sharing

A traveling sage, in the Mid-east in Biblical times, makes a choice between building buildings and building relationships. 

Social Capital

He came to us from far away

Across the barren land —

Lonely and forgotten from

His trek across the sand.

The well refreshed his very soul

And so he praised it much.

He thought of wonders he had seen

And knew that this was such.

He spoke of joining trust in plans

And building mighty towers.

But, we could little trust to him

This land, which was not ours.

We bid him leave, with heavy heart

And, “Do you know the way?”

And almost knew, though, as he left

That he’d be back some day.

His goal would be less strong to build,

But more to give a smile.

Now, who’d begrudge a gift like that?

It’s good once in a while.

 

Poem: The Lament of Solomon

Information and comments on the story:

The Lament of Solomon

Life Will Get You in the End:
Short Stories by David Satterlee

from the book: Life Will Get You in the End:
Short stories by David Satterlee

Find out more, including where to buy books and ebooks

Read or download this story as a PDF file at: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4eNv8KtePyKRm1VeGlwWnRwVUE/edit?usp=sharing

Solomon, as you may remember, was a king of Israel and renowned for his proverbial (pun intended) wisdom. He is also the author of what may be the oddest book of The Holy Bible, "The Song of Solomon" - a love song.

The Lament of Solomon

Have you seen my delightful one?

Have you really come to know her?

Has she spoken your name and

Made you love her?

Her name is “Understanding.”

Find her and she will fill your heart.

Know her and she will fill your mind.

Love her and she will never leave you.

Follow her and she will show you your way

And make it straight without harm.

Find your companion and share her.

Find your friend and bring them together.

Find your neighbor, and introduce them,

For she increases life in all her lovers.

Open your soul to her caress

And know her touch,

For it will comfort you in your need

And strengthen you in your lack.

Be warned in this only:

If you find her; if you ever chance to touch her,

Do not send her away; she will not go.

Her taste will not leave off returning.

If you refuse her, she will linger — 

Making all others bitter to your palette.

Do not deny her insistent demands;

She will possess you —

Returning all your attentions a thousand fold.