My Favorite Poem

Years ago I read the following in Theology Today (Oct 1981 to be exact). so this isn't really my thoughts as just sharing my favorite poem... It speaks to me. It was written by David Steele (of whom I have no idea who and where and why). Enjoy

DAVID DANCED - MICHAL WATCHED

Michal was loyal
To everything royal
For she was the daughter of Saul
But her husband was poorish
And awefully boorish
With simply no manners at all

It was her fate
To marry a mate
Who had grown up with chickens and sheep.
How to bring charm
To this boy from the farm
Was causing his queen to lose sleep.

Oh, she had to confess
He was a success
In the eyes of the world, Dave was famous.
But of how kings comport
Themselves when in court
He remained a complete ignoramus.

David's heart soared
And he danced to the Lord
In a manner more free than refined.
and his poor little wife
Got the shock of her life.
So she gave him a piece of her mind.

"I don't care a smidgen
About your religion
As long as it's solem and chaste.
But the way you're behaving
With arms widely waving
Is shockingly lacking in taste."

"While I agree dancing
Is fine for romancing
And I've done no extensive research,
I hope you will see
That it lacks dignity
And is frightfully bad form in church."

"If you must raise
Your spirit in praise,
Please see that it's soothing and calm.
The Lord I am sure
Would really prefer
Something more like the 23rd Psalm."

Then God's anointed
Became disappointed
He knew he had nary a chance
Of ever persuadin'
This prim, regal maiden
that the Lord is a lover of dance.

Churches these days
Talk a lot about Praise
And the Joy that accomp'nies Good News.
but don't tap your feet
Or get out of the seat
For Michal still lurks in the pews.

And when you have ended
She might be offended.

And so it is better by far
To act out your praise
On those great joyful days
With some friends at a neighborhood bar.



You should be smiling.. because the truth... we'd have better luck at a bar.