Michael Chabon has a sweet plum of an essay on his site, one of many, I’m sure. It’s called Women of Valor and tells of his discovery of a comic book superheroine named Big Barda (created by Jack Kirby) that he came to love.

Near the end of the essay he transforms his discussion of Big Barda into an inked kiss to his own wife, who he says embodies so many of Barda’s qualities. Here’s the conclusion:

It’s traditional in Jewish homes, on the Sabbath, for a husband to chant the poem called Eshes Chayil, “A Woman of Valor.” In ancient Biblical language he praises her, articulating a litany of true womanly virtues: strength of body and mind, compassion, resourcefulness, reliability, artfulness. He praises her costume, and her readiness for righteous battle. “She girds her loins in strength,” is what he says, “and makes her arms strong.” Every week, in every home-traditionally-every husband affirms this central truth to every wife: that she is, as that great Jewish mythographer Jack Kirby understood, his Big Barda. Alas, the chanting of this poem is not, I’m sorry to report, a tradition that my wife and I observe. So I guess these words will have to serve instead.

The Eshes Chayil is less enduringly known as “Proverbs 31″. My own Barda, Bathsheba, and Boudicca is celebrating her 31st birthday today, and I’m happy to quote from a contemporary translation of the Eshes Chayil to honor her:

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!

She deserves it all.