Mount Nebo

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

We do not want to dress in loss of dreams,

Forgetfulness our robe.  Our memories clothe

Our meaning.  They enwrap with sacred seams.

We look for ways for spirits to betroth

Themselves in holy vestments loaned by God.

Souls want the ephods they will wear on breasts

With Urim and with Thummim.  Hills are awed.

We walk through them, those breastplate gems on chests,

When we are rightly clad with archetypes

Together sewn in meaning.  Angel hymns

Are worn when we are pilgrims, saintly stripes

Like Joseph’s robe protecting pilgrim limbs.

  We want to wear remembrances of lips

    For all our journeys — even on death’s ships.

© Phillip Whidden