Poem February 20, 1984 Issue

Enoch's walk

MARGARET TSUDA

Was that special walk
of Enoch's —
when God took him and
he was not—
so different from his daily way?

I think Enoch would have been one
who stepped from his tent each morning
to praise/honor
the most high creator of
the dawning desert sun
the cloud-beribboned sky.

One who, at noonday,
would have waited
for his Lord's guidance
to know safe/sure paths
on which to lead his flocks
(and his thoughts)
through the cruel illusions of heat mirage
to pools of living waters.

Who, by evening, would have turned away
from all the senses tried to tell him
about the wickedness/sensuousness
of his fellowmen
knowing well that only
righteousness/mercy/equity
would earn him the testimony
that he pleased God.

Human sight may have
seen him no more
but I think
that when he was translated
Enoch found himself
walking
as he had always walked—
meekly/confidently—
with his Father.

MARGARET TSUDA

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