Son of Laughter
(capo 5)

Another tribute to Jacob (see notes for “My Tripwire”), international man of mystery and, someone I have to believe, is a distant relative of mine. Inspired by Frederick Buechner’s telling of this ancient story in his book "The Son of Laughter".

here lies the grave of one dubious lady
who's married to Isaac her master
two boys in her womb
but there's not enough room
for Jacob the son of laughter

he went in spite of his brother's right
to ask for his father's blessing
covered with fur
and smelled like earth
it was Jacob the heel grabber

even God still has his reasons
for using con men just like me
most folks scheme
but never would dream
to know what it is that they're after
like Jacob the son of laughter

he woke in the night
to a dream and a fight
with a wrenching
that came like a whistle
for the struggling wind
that overcomes men
is the maker of Jacob the wrestler
full of fear
when he ran away from here
like he was out to wrestle God
and since that day
things will never be the same

surely God still has his reasons
for using con men just like me
most folks scheme
but never would dream
to know what it is that they're after
like Jacob the son of laughter