THE TEMPLE

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.