Poem by Vachel Lindsay

Where Is David, the Next King of Israel?

Where is David? . . . O God’s people, 
Saul has passed, the good and great. 
Mourn for Saul the first-anointed — 
Head and shoulders o’er the state. 

He was found among the Prophets: 
Judge and monarch, merged in one. 
But the wars of Saul are ended 
And the works of Saul are done. 

Where is David, ruddy shepherd, 
God’s boy-king for Israel? 
Mystic, ardent, dowered with beauty, 
Singing where still waters dwell? 

Prophet, find that destined minstrel 
Wandering on the range to-day, 
Driving sheep and crooning softly 
Psalms that cannot pass away. 

”David waits,” the prophet answers, 
”In a black notorious den, 
In a cave upon the border 
With four hundred outlaw men. 

”He is fair, and loved of women, 
Mighty-hearted, born to sing: 
Thieving, weeping, erring, praying, 
Radiant royal rebel-king. 

”He will come with harp and psaltry, 
Quell his troop of convict swine, 
Quell his mad-dog roaring rascals, 
Witching them with words divine — 

”They will ram the walls of Zion! 
They will win us Salem hill, 
All for David, Shepherd David — 
Singing like a mountain rill!”

1. Sweet Briars of the Stairways
2. The Haughty Snail-King
3. Upon Returning to the Country Road
4. The Spice-Tree
5. The Master of the Dance

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