POEM #1: The Tree of Life

(a new version of psalm 1)

Flourishing is the man who doesn't walk

Under the leaves and mind-blossoms of the lost

Nor stand on the path of those going astray

Nor come to dwell in the dwelling-place of mockers

Rather, his yearning is for the Teachings of Yah

And Yah's Teachings he murmurs within himself

Day and night: Such a man will branch skyward

Like a tree re-planted by streams of water

And bring forth fruit according to the seasons

—Whose leaves remain vibrant, unfading

Everything he does will thrive!

Not so the lost: They're like chaff twirling away

In the world's breath. Because of this

The lost won't stand up in the Decision

Nor those going astray in the arrayed fellowship

Of the steadfast—For Yah recognizes in his heart

The path of the steadfast, but the path of the lost

Will be abandoned forever...