I wish to sit with the ancient fathers

Watching the floating embers

Disappear into the desert night sky

The flames keeping away the chill…

A bright moon shines upon the flocks

Sweet smelling incense smouldering

Fragrance so pure so divine…

We are at peace tonight

Enjoying the favour of God

The beautiful eyes of the veiled women

Glinting underneath the starlight

Their modesty so endearing…

Feeling free, free from myself

Accepted as a friend – Fellow nomad…

This is where I truly belong

Amongst the Patriarchs – The righteous ones

Made righteous by their faith

In the one true God, the only God

Sharing bread drinking fresh mint tea

Laughing hugging the men like brothers

Bowing to the women

Treating them all with honour, respect…

I am a stranger

Yet they saw my heart

For I came in humility with grace without judgement

Such pure eyes can see into my soul

I know I can never leave!

Tomorrow we pack move on

This is my tribe now

No ceremony or initiation

Everyone just knows……..

M C Bolton November 2023