Jephthah’s Daughter

Jephthah’ daughter

you might have heard my story
though couldn’t have known it was me

you might have heard my story
an only daughter
of a mighty king
young with hair long and shiny
pampered in the palace with wants and luxury
never spared a wish

then as men do
my father, the king
took arms
not sure against whom

he had vowed
on his triumphal return
that the first one to greet him
would be offered to his god

the glory of his almighty
requires that gift

I’m just a nameless girl
you might have heard my story

It was just bad luck
that I rushed to greet him
while he came down the road

you might have heard my story
just a nameless girl

sacrificed on the altar
of a mighty god

unnamed
but not spared
you might have heard my story

Post Script
Jephthah’s daughter
was remembered by the daughters of Israel
who every year lament her death
the death of a nameless girl