Theophany on Mars

 

They ascend the hill 

with hands intertwined,

their translucent robes 

flapping in a windless void.

They sense the presence

of a being from another 

world transported by a

numinous needle of fire.

The landing has marred

the surface of their world

but only on the most 

superficial of levels.

Curiosity draws them to

the top of the hill as does

the free compulsion of 

an all-connectedness.

In the valley below them 

the traveller is setting up

a shiny cistern of sorts

on a quad-legged table.

Inside his helmet they 

can sense from afar

the oscillations of a chant

forming on a blue wavelength:

“When You, O Lord, were

baptized in the Jordan

the worship of the Trinity 

was made manifest…”

The meaning is unknown to them

but the beauty of it is undeniable

as the subterranean waters 

sing deep below their fleet feet.

***