Absalom’s Oak by Delwin Rees Buckner

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 20, 1912

Absalom’s Oak

By Delwin Rees Buckner

O, what a youth, of finely featured face, To dangle from an oak-tree's knotted bough! From that broad, choice-ly-chiseled, tress- topped brow, Down to those sandaled soles, which stepped with grace O'er costly carpets of the court, no trace Of spot or blemish might be found, but now — Why died he? How?—False furrows which men plow, Lead often to a fatal halting-place. Suffice to say his beauty sealed his doom — His hair became the halter, as it were, By which he hung betwixt the earth and sky, His target breast affording ample room For angry arrows whizzing with a whir To gorge like vampires whilst their victim die.