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A Father's Crown, A Heavy Call
(A Poem on David's Final Words to Solomon)
Upon his bed, the king lay weak,
With fading breath, too faint to speak.
He called his son with weary eyes,
To pass the crown, both just and wise.
"My son," he said, "be strong, be true,
And walk the path God asks of you.
Obey His laws, hold fast His ways,
And He will bless your nights and days.
But hear me now, for time runs thin,
There's blood unpaid, and wrath within.
Though I have ruled with sacred might,
Some wrongs still beg to face the light.
Joab, who once my army led,
Brought guilt and blood upon his head.
He slew in peace, as if in war—
Let not his crimes go ignored.
And Shimei, the man who cursed my name,
I swore him peace, but not his shame.
You swore him life if he stayed true—
But should he slip, then justice, too.
Yet Barzillai, the loyal friend,
Show kindness to him 'til your end.
His sons were brave, their hearts were true,
Let them find favor now with you.
So rule with strength, but rule with grace,
Let wisdom shine upon your face.
A king must serve both God and land,
With justice firm and mercy's hand.
David slept, his reign complete,
Now Solomon rose to take his seat.
A crown of gold, a throne so wide—
With God above, and sword at side.
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