Little Ida’s Flowers

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  “MY poor flowers are quite dead!” said little Ida. “They were so pretty yesterday, and now all the leaves hang withered. Why do they do that? . . . Why do the flowers look so faded to-day?” she asked again, and showed him a nosegay, which was quite withered.  “Do you know what’s the matter with them?” said the Student. “The flowers have been at a ball last night, and that’s why they hang their heads.”  “But flowers cannot dance!” cried little Ida. “O yes,” said the Student, “when it grows dark, and we are asleep, they jump about merrily. Almost every night they have a ball.” —Hans Christian Andersen. (1805–1875)

Numbers 16-24: the Poem

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Well on their way in their wandering,
Korah and sons all rebel;
God judges the men of those houses
to be an example for Israel.

The next day those people's own grumble
'gainst Moses and Aaron was heard;
God judged all that loud congregation
who lifted a contrary word.

The priesthood received confirmation
"Every devoted thing yours;"
Then purified through the Red Heifer,
The unclean and clean are made sure.

Miriam dies in the desert,
the people assemble, complain;
Moses in anger strikes rock-ward,
Instead of just speaking again.

Edom refuses their passage,
And Aaron, he dies in his place;
Then tension with Canaan's king Arad
caused Israel to search for God's face.

The people again gripe and grumble,
God judges that lot with those snakes;
But looking to Moses' Bronze Serpent
Brings life in those poisonous stakes.

The journey continues with battles,
the Lord giving great victory;
And Balaam says backwardly curses
Despite all he says or can see.

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