Walls

Photograph courtesy Gateways Beyond International

For now have I chosen and sanctified this temple, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually (2 Chronicles 7:16).

Walls

Today I prayed at the Western Wall.
First I gazed upon the stones
built by Herod,
built by Ottoman Turks,
cold and hard conduits of heaven.
Desperate, I pressed my cheek against
their ancient foundation,
old world touching mine.
The wall spoke not a word,
not a breath of connection.
But a perpetual abiding warmed my heart.
Suddenly, Spirit to spirit, Deep to deep,
unfathomable love penetrated the inanimate depth,
and I began to offer my true prayer
to God.
First I asked for Jerusalem’s peace,
then for the death-camp survivor on my right,
whose desperate prayer exceeded my own.
(I saw her tears stain the wall.)
Heal her tormenting memories,
truth upon beautiful feet speed;
pursue her soul,
rally, rescue,
and send release.

But who will go?
Am I the answer to my prayer?
Please send me.
What language does she speak?
Another wall.