Esther, or the World Turned Upside Down

                                  for Richard Howard

They tell the story of Esther to children. It’s a folktale. Horror wrapped up as entertainment, threat of annihilation averted. Once a year we imagine the victory of the powerless as a game. Casting lots? Take a chance on Mordecai. And watch those plot twists. Number One Wife Vashti demoted for discipline problems. Esther wins Miss Persia contest to replace her. Sexy Jewess announces, “If I perish, I perish,” and reveals secret of birth. Beauty queen becomes savior of her people. Evil scheme foiled, wicked Haman impaled on his own scaffold. A poke at the principalities and powers. King Ahasuerus, drunk again, countermands earlier order to kill all Jews. In a startling reverse move, all Jews get to kill their enemies.