MATTOT

Moshe was angry with his special force
Because they had not taken enough lives;
He thought they liked the Midianitish wives
Who had made trouble for them once before,
Although the leaders had no such intent.
Then when Reuven and Gad wanted to settle
This side the Jordan, to Moshe that meant
That they preferred fat pasture for their cattle
To the land's promise. Ah, but he was tired
Of going between this relentless G-d
And the dull mass. A boss already fired
Trying to finish up a few last odds
And ends, attrition-marked. His diatribes
Make no profound impression on the tribes.