Image: Two great guys who made the pilgrimage very enjoyable. Joseph (l) our very knowlegable tour guide, and Karim (r) our driver equally as skilled at driving, he had to be on some of the roads with some of the other drivers. Both feature in poem 44.

 

05/12/2016 - 41) Suitcases packed and away

It’s departure day

We’re sat around sharing the memories that abound

Of our Holy Land roam

Before we go to the bus and begin our journey home

 

42) We followed the way of the two who walked in sadness

Joined by one who would change it to gladness

As they walked along the way, he would say

Jesus’ death was not a losing but a winning, a new beginning

Evening came and they asked him to tarry a while

They didn’t know it was Jesus all the while

Until supper when he blessed and broke the bread

Then they knew it was Jesus risen from the dead

Then he was gone and without delay

They left for Jerusalem where they would say

Jesus Christ really did rise on the third day

 

43) Pilgrimage almost done now we as one

Travel to the airport praying to the Lord Almighty

Our plane is on time and a safe trip to Blighty

 

44) The Monastery at Latrum was closed, we wouldn’t get in we supposed

But we didn’t have to wait; a kindly monk opened the gate

Nothing was said it didn’t need to be, his gesture was heeded

Proving sometimes through quiet actions, words are never needed

 

45) Steady run in the afternoon sun

On the bus to the airport no fuss

Karim driving with care got us there

Said goodbye at journeys end, to Joseph out guide and friend

Customs cleared and done, now waiting at Terminal 1

Sandwich and drink stored, now waiting to board

The plane to take me home at the end of my first Holy Land roam

 

46) That’s it we’re of the ground homeward bound

To Manchester with our souvenir bounty

Then across the Pennines to Yorkshire our beloved White Rose County

 

47) The book of Exodus tells the story of the Flight from Egypt

Moses the Lords Staff in hand leading the Israelites to the Promised Land

Many dangers they would face, on the flight to Gods appointed place

Through the wilderness they would go,

Over the River Jordan and past Jericho

Finally they stopped to dwell in the land of Israel

And some of the places they’d been, on our pilgrimage we’ve seen

Now it’s night and we’ve taken flight

Heading for our Promised Land and home

And I’m thinking as I write this verse

It’s just like Exodus in reverse

 

48) Plane nose appears to be dipping, downwards we could be slipping

Or am I imagining things, a symptom of what tiredness brings

Wishing the plane, was landing and we were nearly home again

 

49) At last the news I want to hear,

They’ll soon be lowering the landing gear

Lights of Lancashire below, slowly downward we go

Lights becoming clearer as we get nearer

Cabin lights dimmed in preparation for landing back in our home nation

Lower and lower, engines running slower

Change in the sound, we’re safe on the ground

 

50) We landed but were out of luck, the luggage carousel seemed stuck

We waited and waited but no luggage was seen

Phillip said the wait could be as long as Psalm 119

The at last it moved we gave a cheer a luggage would soon be here

Our spirits came alive as we saw it arrive

Grab it and to all bid Shalom

As we find out taxi to take us to our beloved Yorkshire and Home