LEAH
Leah, it is hard to understand,
the culture mores of your distant land.
You were the pawn of your father’s pride.
veiled in deception to become a bride.
That the elder must marry before the younger,
is not without precedent,
but cheating the groom is tradition mis-spent.
Jealous of his affection for your sister?
Seven years laboring for the right
to claim her as his wife that night.
Were you regarded in disgrace
since no one had sought your tender face?
Were you fearful perchance,
you’d never have a wedding dance?
Did your whole being not cry out,
against this dissembling?
Did you hate her that much
and she, you, in return,
how could you live with animosity’s burn?
Later, sharing this husband,
as tradition allowed, you bore a daughter
and six sons of Israel,
your sister only two,
living in an impossible situation
yet each significant for the future nation.
You prayed for your sons.
hoping each one would guarantee
your husband’s love for thee.
Alas, that was not to be.
Reference: Genesis 29
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