When I saw this photo of my wife (credit James Nord) I immediately thought of the story and paintings (especially Rembrandt’s) of Bathsheba. It’s a biblical story of David and Bathsheba, King solomon’s wife. David sees her bathing on the roof and is immediately drawn to her and well, the rest is history. This picture inspired me to write a poem about this story in honor of my wife on our two year wedding anniversary.
“He saw her in water
A perfect being
Lithe and natural—an untamed spring
The water grasped her skin with lust
It would not have him see her thus
The fog hung close, to shield the viewer
From a certain Cupid’s skewer
But water made sparkle
And fog enhanced
The dire nature of his circumstance
Desire, a pyre, he tried to smote
This kindled daughter of the oath
She broke his with shape and smoke
A heart untangled made a thread
That pulled him closer to her bed
Closeness found his heart-strings taught
Himself laid bare for what was sought
Her downcast eyes brought up to face
She plucked these strings with gentle grace
And music made all doubts retire
Bathsheba’s love became his empire.”
To Erin,
My Roo, My Bathsheba, My Empire
Every woman should be loved like this. Happy Anniversary
