Pilgrims
Crossing oceans, walking miles
they come
to stand together and receive –
in exaltation –
His attention, bestowed briefly,
a blessing on every soul,
heirloom memories,
I remember when…
in this ancient ceremonial place
where 3000 years of humanity
has gathered
with so many stories: one purpose,
and kindness transcends language
shared water; offered shelter
a deluge, a drumbeat… a shift
dense silence,
excitement rustles
abandoning conversations, quickening hearts
heads turn as one.
Now. It’s happening…
uncanny light spills above the platform
He raises both arms –
the people roar
this is what they came for
Hello, Rome
One, two, three…
