The Pillar

elements of the

changing world hasten

the oxidation and decay

of the great structural pillar

at the center of one

of the eleven hewn

stone churches built

according to legend

in amhara in one night

centuries ago

before the reckoning

iron rusting in stone

eastern priests who attend

wrap and bind the pillar in cloth

animal hides leather straps

admonish the pilgrims who travel

to this heritage site

each year in the

holy season that the coverings

have been placed over a

prophecy of the end of time painted

on the surface of the column

images of a void deeper

than human reflection might comprehend

words shielded from all eyes

until the day of revelations

the bent cleric reads from scripture

says it is good that we come

to bear witness to carry

on the old traditions

in this way

he annunciates

truth and lies

all in one breath

an old beggar woman

sits cross-legged

in a shadow of a lesser church

her cup empty

the priests are fewer

and fewer in number now

they tell their tales as blue smoke

circles in the damp air of the cave

and flickering candles throw

dancing shadows on cool walls

filling the atmosphere cloistered

from the endless heat

of the desert

with mystery

refuge

the scent

of myrrh the

dull light

conjure a place

safe for healing

modest giving