Salt and Light

a solitary summit of solitude
standing tall—yonder clouds
freed from clamoring crowds
extruding pangs of sharp stone
seasoned in amber sparks of sun
beckoning for spiritual ascent
to a piquant pinnacle of peace
where pure—loyal waters birth
beneath cloaks of ivory snows

neglected yearnings melt into
fresh hopes of exploring souls
longing to drink its goodness
and breathe in its holy essence
upon a secure temple footing
bathing in radiant reflections
absorbing its soft—looming glory
into hard hollows of parched bones

descending its majestic stairway
you become the solemn sanctuary
to emerald forests yearning grace
and difference from indifference
a rocky ensign of divine confidence
painted by forged plutons of time
eroded into honed angelic ranges
of tranquility, humility, and gratitude

you become the once-forgotten savor
engraved on a mountain of light and hope

(Matthew 5:13-14)