Desert Sand
by Debra Ayis
My wrap unfurls around leg and feet As I trample through the sand Of a merciless desert
Stumbling toward Kerith Ravine A sand storm is coming from afar Particles whirl around excitedly Wickedly pricking, stinging my skin The wind whistles in my ear Singing a song of gloom Air and sand form collusion As matter whirls around my being In a vicious eddy I can’t see, I seem blinded Until a raven’s cry pierces through the storm Like a charmer’s soothing tune Signaling the road I should take to Kerith Brook I struggle through the dust The pain and the blindness Until an oasis I reach Ravens surround me Bringing bread and meat Peace and calm settles around me Calming the eddy within and without Settling the storm almost upon me As peace surrounds my existence
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” —1 Kings 17:2-4
An abridged version of "Desert Sand" was published on YMI Today on 14 October 2013.