High on a narrow path we crept.
Eyes forced left,
we dared not look below.

The ancient path was cracking.
Crumbling, pebbles fell around us.
Nobody muttered a word.

Too late to turn around,
people were behind us.
Step-by-step, look left. Be quiet.

I was calm until she started
panicking, sniffling tears.
Why did she come? I whisper silently.

Be quiet. Look left.
Without pity I bitterly reach
my hand to take hers.

This was to be fun.
For miles you can see
the desert below. Look left.

Some behind us were unaware
of her fear. “Go. Hurry. Oh look at that.
What are you doing up there?”

Slowly, I became hypnotized.
Visions of her falling before me
into the rocky crag below.

There was no room to pass.
More rocks rushed beneath our feet,
falling, the noise slowly fades.

The Judean Wilderness.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death.
I fear no evil. Who is with me?

Eventually the path widens.
Wadi Qilt opens to a mirage.
An oasis on the way to Jericho.

My hand is released at the sight of St. George.
Her face turns slowly towards mine.
With a smile, she kisses my cheek.

Is this really the place
where Satan tempted Jesus?
Hmm…That was exciting.