The Mystery of Malachi

A Pantoum poem about the author of the Bible's Book of Malachi.

The author of the Book of Malachi
One of the Bible’s enduring mysteries
Not an answer that’s easily come by
Considering the confusing histories

One of the Bible’s enduring mysteries
Was it actually written by “Anonymous”
Considering the confusing histories
Or maybe he and Ezra really are synonymous

Was it actually written by Anonymous
Perhaps Malachi wasn’t a name but a designation
Or maybe he and Ezra really are synonymous
Malachi means messenger, an apt characterization

Perhaps Malachi wasn’t a name but a designation
Over the years, the issue has left many perplexed
Malachi means messenger, an apt characterization
But author’s identity is secondary to the text

Over the years, the issue has left many perplexed
Not an answer that’s easily come by
But the author’s identity is secondary to the text
The author of the Book of Malachi


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20 lines / 139 words
Form: Pantoum  

Originally written for "The Lighthouse Poetry Contest"  and "I Write in 2018" .