The Golden Calf

A poem that I wrote back in 2012 from the perspective of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32.

The Golden Calf

Shimmering, sparkling, gleaming, beaming,

My light for eyes to see

Dancing, singing, shouting, praising

Israel in front of me

Swirling, twirling, whirling, hurling,

Joyous revelry at my feet

Clapping, jumping, crying, praying

In rhythm with the beat

My self-awareness is little and my history short

I’ve not been around long, and am on my way out

I was created by man out of God’s gifts

I was forged in the fire with holy metal

The leader was not to be seen

He had disappeared for over a month

The people grew desperate, they were longing

For someone or something to praise

For someone or something to lead

The leader’s brother knew not what to do

He collected God’s gold in a frenzy

He set to work and formed me in flame

I was the beauty that erupted

The dazzling display for all to see

The people were full of joy, they had hope

Not in their God but in their god

Deep down they knew their efforts were folly

But their feelings were irrational

I knew that this was wrong, that I was an idol

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up our voices and hear us sing

My eyes were pointing heavenward, my heart crying

Even as the people used and abused me

The leader came down the mountain, his anger ablaze

I could feel his furor vibrating through the valley

How glad I was that he rebuked the people

How glad I was to be returned to my purpose

I am the gift of God to the people of God

I am the gold given in release from Egypt

I am not worthy of praise, indeed I am praise

May the Maker forgive me and the people

May the Creator still consider me blessed

I want to dazzle and gleam for his holy name

Dancing, singing, shouting, praising,

That’s what is due the King

Melting, molding, burning, purifying,

I am but a thing

– Porter C Taylor

March 2, 2012