olive trees are turning pale,
fishing boats are set to sail.
herons wheeling,
trees are keeling
by the sea of Galilee.
scarlet red the hollyhocks,
midnight blue the basalt rocks.
azure, jade, the silent sea.
age-old tombs and mystery.
a holy gift, an offering.
the sacred springs
of Galilee.
mossy stones at water's edge.
Judas tree, the palm and sedge
where the river Jordan flows
and the north wind blows.
olive trees are turning pale
on the mountain, down the vale.
in a waking dream I see
James the son of Jebedee
and the Jewish refugee.
Isabella of Castile,
the stake. the stocks. the rope and wheel.
mossy stones at water's edge,
Judas tree, the palm and sedge
where the river Jordan flows,
and the north wind blows.