July 13–19 ❘ Beer-sheba
Beer-sheba
Abraham plants a tamarisk grove
by his well of covenant. He plants
himself, too—as much as he can,
being a stranger in a strange land.
He stays to spread roots
through soil toward water rising
from earth’s deep cistern—
enough time for trees to grow
high and thick for shade
and for fruit to mature and seed.
He likes the desert air here,
the way the smell of saltcedar carries
on the evening breeze as it teases
feathery sprays of purple bloom.
He likes how it feels to have neighbors
with whom one can come to agreement.
Read more of my poetry at www.facebook.com/latterdaysaintpoetry
Contact me at merrijane.rice@gmail.com
