The stew steamed thick between the brothers’ hands,
Red lentils breathed their ordinary spell;
A birthright balanced on the desert sands.
He came in weary from the hunting lands,
His hunger rang louder than any bell—
The stew steamed thick between the brothers’ hands.
The fields had hardened him with their demands,
The wind had taught him thirst too sharp to quell;
A birthright balanced on the desert sands.
Then smooth-tongued Jacob spoke of simple plans,
Of trade and terms a starving man knows well;
The stew steamed thick between the brothers’ hands.
So Esau yielded what no man withstands
When body pleads its urgent, mortal knell—
A birthright balanced on the desert sands.
Years later still, the story understands
How fleeting fires of appetite can sell:
The stew steamed thick between the brothers’ hands,
A birthright balanced on the desert sands.
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Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: April 26th, 2026 00:08
- Comment from author about the poem: Inspired by the biblical story of Esau
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 7
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: Heroes, Gods and Monsters.
Offline)
Comments2
Well written this story with the feel taking a bit of a turn from the biblical Jewish orientation. How is it that a brother would plot to take from his brother his birthright and even so by denying food that should be feely given to any let alone a brother. A sad tale of greed so common to man.
Matthew, this hit me hard…bringing Esau into focus like this makes it feel immediate, not distant. It’s not just a story anymore…it’s a moment you can feel pressing in. That weight carries all the way through. Powerful piece. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
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