In
the midst of a patchwork
Of
orchards, farms and gardens -
Carefully
cultivated lands
Set
on rolling hills
Breathed
at the beginning of time
By
the spirit of the one true god -
There
was a splendid temple.
Two rivers flowed
Through the purlieus –
Ample
water
For the sons and daughters
Of
the hinterland –
Fruit,
vegetables, cereal crops,
Herds
and flocks -
And
leafy trees and wildflowers
Of
this most fortunate country.
The
rivers were also home
To
many species of fish,
Swimming
in such abundance
That
the riches of the land
Seemed
almost redundant.
Somewhere,
far away,
These
streams spilled
Into
the sea –
An
ocean shining
On
the edge of the world.
Despite
the landscape’s marvels
Its
majesty was surpassed
By
the sacred magnificence
Of
the temple buildings.
Walls
of bright yellow sandstone,
Carved
from mountains
In
the deserts
Of
less prosperous nations.
Olive green ivy,
Clinging to columns,
Defined the portico.
Between the creepers
There were decorative emblems
Of gold and turquoise,
And pictures of another heaven,
Framed by onyx and lapis lazuli.
The main doors were made of cedar
And their jams were bejewelled
with jade.
In the centre of the sanctuary
Bdellium burned day and night,
Sending its perfume into the vast chamber,
Fragrant like myrrh,
Incense for a king.
