Hadassah- Into the Arena

Steady yourself, do not allow frailty
to be your testament this afternoon.
Today you will witness your father’s smile.

Sir, do not fear the angry throng that screams
to see our blood. Fear for their empty souls.
Their pain is lost for a moment by ours.
In death may we serve to show them respite.
You pale at the roar of the crowd- how it
drowns out the roar of the starving lions.
I feel that we do not have long in here,
Although the sand may be much worse I shall
be glad to be free of this dungeon cell.
The mirmillo fell, he was poorly armed,
just one more toy for the bloodthirsty mob.
We are not considered worthy to stain
a tarnished gladius, instead we go
to the most lowly fate afforded here.
Be still, the guard approaches now to speak.

What news sir? Shall we be sent out there soon?
I see, thank you for all your kind advice.
Do not regret, you are a slave as I.
So go in peace, for soon we shall be free.

Our time has come, the guard said if we
walk slowly with our arms outstretched then the
lionesses will likely come swiftly.

Do not be afraid, come outside with me.

You hear the note of sorrow in their screams.
I see the animals have been set free,
treated with no more kindness than we.

Ad Anah Adonai
Tishkhakheni netsakh*

You have a lovely voice, let us sing on.

Abba?

Adoni!






* *Ad Anah- 13th Psalm
(translation:
How long will you forget me Lord, forever?
How long will you turn your face from me?
Father?
God!)