Who sent the heat
that fell upon my husband’s head
and killed him in the harvest field
three years ago

And what will they eat
the children of a city under seige
by a general whose cup overflows

I fasted for three days
then I arose and dressed myself
in crimson silk and necklaces
and bracelets of gold

Towards the city gates
I walked alone thru empty streets
and I could feel a thousand eyes
watching me go

They said our city was lost, lost
and it was true that we were surrounded
they said our only hope lay with God

But I didn’t pray
I brushed my hair with oil of myrrh
and smiled at the general
while he drank his wine

I wondered as I watched him
did he have a wife at home
and would she grieve for her husband
as I grieved for mine

Judith: beautiful young widow, brilliant military strategist.