The Desert

There once lived a merchant named Rufus, who’d lost all he had in a venture of business.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

There lived a proud Prince by the sword, who’s banner had fallen on a lost battlefield.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.

There once lived a sailor named William, who’d seen all his family go down in a maelstrom.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

There once lived a bold entertainer, who sang for great crowds and was named with the stars, till the people grew weary, and for other stars searched.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

There once lived a harsh judge named Saul, who lost his gavel when tried for a trifle,

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

There once lived a man divorced, who’d been caught in a lair with strange women.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

There once lived a renowned statesman, who’d been put out of party for his fealty to faction.

And he came to the desert, and the desert taught him saying,

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

And there lastly came down that oft trodden road, a man first esteemed among family and peer, who’s wealth wanted nothing, for he held possessions dear.

And the desert passed him by, and spoke to him nothing at all.