PALM SUNDAY IN THE DESERT

Waving palm fronds,
The women dance
By the side of the road,
Bracelets jangling,
Lips crimson
From pomegranates
And wine.

In the desert, the air
Is stilled and heaven
Forgets
To breathe.

Prophetess!
Can you not see it?

Shadows eclipsing
The hot orange sun,
Jagged stones
Heaped
Atop the cross.