Holy Land

The sun-drenched hills

                are golden and gray,

                robed in cedars dark as night,

                fragrant with juniper.

In another world, this land was holy.

                This soil caked prophets’ feet.

                These rivers baptized.

                These skies rained fire.

                These trees raised martyrs.

In another world, these winds spoke truths,

                and pilgrims passed in silence

                between the chalky cliffs