SONG OF A PROPHET

By Paul Bergner

While crafting pots of clay

My mind would stray

One day You came,

Filled pot and potter just the same

I taught a parrot how to speak:

Allah hu, Allah hu

The day You heard our words

Everything I saw or heard was you

I gave flowers to travelers

As they came and went

The day You took one from my hand,

I turned to roses, and the universe to roses’ scent

Now, I pour out wine and honey

Standing by and endless sea

Each day it’s You who comes to drink

It’s You who’s pouring me

(October 1, 1992]