Desert Nights Poem by Helen Crutchett

A mirage of dancing water ripples
ghostly shapes as shadows
deepen and lengthen in
lingering desert nights

The Azan calling the faithful to Salah is
like air sweetened by desert honey suckle
in a golden mosque
pyramids repose guarding secrets silhouetted

Against the veil of seeping coldness
steely stars keep watch until the newborn sun
unfurling, spreads her orange wrap across the
desert sea's scorching heat ruling over lands
of antiquity

Prophets promising those lost in this wilderness
would find shelter within the coolness of an oasis
and in the arms of their Master.

(c) Helen Crutchett