The Gold in Havilah
I’m told there’s gold in Havilah,
that Stretch of Sand just downstream from Eden,
and good gold at that.
This makes no sense to me —
What use had Adam for gold,
and why would God have planted it there?
Perhaps God knew this gold would come in handy one day,
to pave His city, His New Jerusalem,
and to make fancy tools for his Angels.
But I might find this ostentatious:
Angels waving golden measuring rods, skating over such refined streets,
showing off the jeweled crystal walls to house-hunters
following in their fragrant trains (there was onyx and incense in Havilah too, they say!)
Still, I’ve heard there is a Garden there, as well,
springs and water, trees and green leaves and cool shade,
mangoes, I suppose, and every kind of medicine plant,
and open gates
and Light.
Maybe when I see it – Oh, let me see it! –
I’ll find a spot among the gum trees and goldenrods
where I might sit with Adam a while,
skipping onyx stones across the river,
and wondering about Havilah.