SHILOH PSALM (for Rachael)

The incense of Priesthoods
Still sifts from the stones.
The cisterns are filling
With blessings – not bones.

A princess of Judah
Restores Ephraim.
The flaming Shechinah
Returns to redeem
The perfume of almonds –
The gold statice scent –
The Holy of Holies –
The veil that was rent.

She’s gathering pillars –
She’s teaching the scribes –
She’s reading the Torah –
She’s schooling the Tribes –
She’s stretching out curtains –
She’s strengthening stakes –
She’s laying foundations
For all of our sakes.

She’s fighting the envy –
Uprooting the pride.
She’s planting the garden
Where God will reside.

(12 March 2009, Shiloh, Ephraim, Israel)