Bathsheba by Mary C. McCarthy

Bathsheba by Jean Leon Gerome, 1889.

Bathsheba

Such an odd spot for a bath
on an open roof
her maid’s dark robe
the only shadow
in a wash of brilliant
morning light.
And the pose-
languorous, brazen,
a deliberate display,
David on his rooftop
might claim himself helpless,
an innocent seduced
into adultery
by her wanton exhibition,
set there in his view
like sweet ripe fruit,
an irresistible temptation.
Was she maybe hoping
for a shortcut
out of marriage into widowhood,
and so made sure she would be naked
here for him to see?
Or was a greater Schemer
working out his own
intents, the ultimate Director,
nudging his players
into their parts?

Mary C. McCarthy

This poem was written as part of the 20 Poem Challenge.

Mary McCarthy has always been a writer, but spent most of her working life as a Registered Nurse. She has had many publications in journals, including Earth's Daughters, Caketrain, and The Evening Street Review, among others. She has only recently discovered the vibrant poetry communities on the internet, where there is so much to explore and enjoy.