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They had travelled far
Into the night
Without lantern, lamp or light.
They had a vision and clear sight,
Guided by scriptures and calendar,
Ancient diaries, almanacs and prophecies;
The oracle’s words ringing in their ears.
Sure of purpose, certain of conviction,
Emboldened by beliefs, they were fleet of foot
Their steps assured, their senses heightened.
By the edge of Clearwater, they waited.
The river swelled to its own rhythm
Ripples danced across it at will,
A life force of quite wondrous thrill.
Music burst forth from its depths
Unearthly sounds that beguiled and teased
The sky changed colours, glowing even in the dark.
The beacon of the lighthouse,
Reaching brighter and further than before.
Egrets abandoned caution to fly with purpose
Weaving a pattern of derring-do manoeuvres;
A lotus arose in the centre,
Unfurling its petals till
They covered the whole aqueous surface.
At dawn the sun rose in the west
Inadvertently, the knights had turned their backs,
Missing the crucial moment.
They had come to witness a miracle;
Instead they saw a phenomenon, equally rare.
They must begin again,
These chivalrous knights of the fertile plains,
Preserved monuments and picturesque cities,
Abundant crops and pure water,
In awe of the God they can’t see! |
