So Esau went to Ishmael, and he took Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, the son of Abraham, the sister of Nebaioth, in addition to his other wives as a wife. ~ Genesis 28:9
Esau – deceived
still seeking approval
agrees to marry
a nice Ishmaelite girl.
Ishmael – sent away
still away, still with a sense
of who he came from
gives his daughter.
Or, she is taken.
Mahalath – forgiveness
That’s what her name means.
She never says a word.
Who needs to be forgiven?
Abraham – name great
long gone, but probably
has a two-screen setup
so he can keep track of
both of his nations.
Nebaioth – first Ishmaelite
(If you don’t count Ishmael)
Gives away the bride.
The engagement took out dad.
The show must go on.
his other wives –
It was a different time.
Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 30 books including “Begin the Beget” and “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.” Visit him at www.JewishPoetry.net
