23 – by Leanne Dolby

Deserts befall us all
yet you have strength
desire,
to water the sand
and renew
the rocky paths
on which you tread.

Like the date of your birth,
the number of the Psalm,
twenty-three
the Psalm of the shepherd,
with a staff you guide
the inner and the outer,
yourself and others,
with selflessness.

The flames of disquiet
blow backwards
do not let them burn you,
the waters
quell their heated progress,
the land they have scorched
made fertile by the ash
of doubt,
renews and restores
you,
to glory.