Waiting for the Pilgrim

Caught in the passage of time

Frozen

As if crystallized

No chanting pilgrims

Last prayer was long ago

Temple abandoned

Silent

Mountains worn

By past winds, past fire

Past life.

White columns standing

But no longer gleaming

Thuribles hang empty, scentless

Temple maintains readiness

Waiting for a pilgrim

Waiting for a pilgrim

Merely a wanderer comes

Gazes in wonder at the columns

At the mountains, at the plain

Scencers swing gently

Motes dance

Wanderer notices, but does not see

Not a pilgrim

A traveller appears, purposeful

Heart crying out for the desolate

Discovers oil and lights it

Embraces the wanderer

Temple rejoices

The pilgrim returns
-KAS, 2/8/96

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