Page 16 - Oasis in the Sky

Oasis in the Sky

At the foot of the Rockies
are clusters of amethyst—mountain ranges
scattered through the disconsolate desert—
shimmering oases towering
into the sky above arid desolation,
promising relief from sand and sun,
mesquite and bramble;
holding the allure of peace and sanctuary;
offering blessings of water and shade.

Chiracahua, Dragoon, Huachuca—
mountains where Geronimo and Cochise
evaded Buffalo Soldiers sent to hunt them.

Ascending the heights of an oasis,
I marvel at the change:
only hours ago I labored through
coruscating heat and pounding sun.
Now, a fresh breeze cools fevered skin,
and chill spring water soothes a parched mouth.

I crest the highest peak to where
cold wind now whips.
From here I see the world: arid desert valley
and other oases on the horizon,
royal purple in their grandeur.

Touching heaven atop this pinnacle of the world—
I am pierced by the Creator’s Spirit
as His shekinah glory passes by in the rushing wind.
I stand in awe of Him and this universe He created,
engorging on the vistas and reveling
in the majesty of His creation.

Sadly, I leave; it is a wondrous place to visit,
but one cannot live here.
Forever touched and marked by my Creator,
I descend into the midst of the oasis,
knowing that my heart, my soul,
my world are forever changed.

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Oasis in the Sky
Oasis in the Sky