Jerusalem, Jerusalem….

I stood within her ancient walls
before the sacred foundation stones
with my fingers touched them
saw in their crevice’s green growth
birds alighting and in the silence below
heads nodding in murmured prayer.
Above, transfixing, a golden dome
rose into the eastern heights.

O, City of Peace –
do not, I pray, rest in the ages
lost in the pages of sacred script;
nor wait in silent surrender
as those who abuse you strut and shout.
Was it not so that chicks and lost lambs
once gathered within the wings of your embrace
and found balm and sustenance for life?

Holy land – I wish your blessing and desire
to be a place of sanctuary, a refuge
where all may come to dwell in love
welcome the stranger, orphan, widow
who seek the healing of your sacred pools.
Bless the holy men and women
who, all over the world, creeds rising,
abjure the violence and ignorance of the age
who seek the peace and hope of your name.

Portland, Oregon – August 21, 2019