Tom Prato - David and Goliath

Just five smooth stones from the brook
Was what he chose and took.
‘Whirr’ and ‘whing’
Went the shepherd’s sling,

And the stone flew in a straight path
Into the forehead of Goliath of Gath.
Like a cedar struck by lightning
The giant fell with sounds, heavy and frightening.

Then with the champion’s own sword,
In the mighty Name of the Lord
Of Hosts, he severed his head;
And, seeing their hero smitten, the Philistines fled.

Oh, it was a great victory in Elah; what slaughter!
All because of a pebble picked up from the water!
(These are no promises picked up from the Book.)
Those five stones, buried in the brook,

Like the arrows hidden in God’s quiver,
(They were stones baptized in the river.)
That day, in a stripling’s skilful hand,
Fulfilled God’s unique command!

Five smooth stones from the stream
Speak of his faith (and God’s grace) . It seems
David was prepared for Goliath’s brethren
Like Caleb of old who had delivered Hebron.

Tom Prato

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/david-and-goliath/