Abraham’s Cash

Abraham was mighty man of great wealth,
Spread money ’round, for the good of his health;
Was proud, independent, declined cash not earned,
“Why, I've got my process”, said he, so it spurned.

But little boy Isaac saw problem with dad,
He grew up in family, old parents he had;
For unconstrained giving, whatever excuse,
Makes problems for others – a form of abuse.

It took Abe a while to get head on straight,
He near killed his son – it was almost too late.
So often we see, hear, and know ‘what’  and ‘whence’,
In facing a crisis which doesn't make sense.

Then at the last second, when all could be lost,
We break through our mind-set, ideas get tossed;
For yesterday's insight, though helpful in part,
Forms trap for us later – from it we must part.

But often what's needed was already learned,
Then over the years, as with Abe it's spurned.
For wisdom and knowledge that's found in a book
Must jump from the pages when we take a look.

At that point the words become “Torah” to us,
From “logos” to “rehma” said Greeks, speaking thus;
Then word becomes “phemi” Greeks said with a grin
When we shout aloud what the insight has been.

“Pro-phimi” – the Prophet – all gaga about
Some rhema that's jumped page to heart, then to mouth;
Thus Abraham learned about lavish-constraint,
Then in his old age became a financial saint.

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