Poetry

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When harvesting grain in your land,
Reap not the corners of your field;
So your neighbor can pick by hand,
Through the winter eat what they yield.

Let them gather of what remains,
Reap not vineyards a second time;
So that a foreigner obtains,
Fallen grapes which as not a crime.

Try not to deceive your neighbor,
Neither lie, cheat nor steal from them;
During his leisure or labor,
Because God will surely condemn.

Swear not in the name of the Lord,
Doctrine in order to deceive;
It dishonors which is abhorred,
By God that others misconceive.

Never oppress or rob neighbors,
Never keep the pay that you owe;
Threaten not with swords or sabers;
No matter where you just might go.

Never curse any deaf person,
Or cause a blind man to stumble;
Sexually harm no women,
Making her respect to crumble.

Do not try to corrupt justice,
Remembering to fear the Lord;
Be tranquil in an armistice,
Through harmony in one accord.

Treat others equally the same,
Never giving special favors;
That would be causing others shame,
Not allowing any waivers.

Judge your neighbor as true and fair,
Never gossip about his life;
And always be willing to share,
If he is in the midst of strife.

Be sure to correct another,
For sinning that is causing guilt;
Console your sister and brother,
So transgressions that could be built,

Copyright © 2017 Richard Newton Sherrer

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