ALLEGORY TO THE RAINBOW

by Teresita Perez

Eight persons, quiet and somber,
lit lanterns inside the ark.
All animals, sensing danger,
lay obedient in the dark.
God impressed in them man's fear
to trust humans with their lives
and their every need was met
with tender strokes, words and smiles.

Outside, a window in heaven
released the initial drops.
The earth tasted its first rain.
The dance ceased. All eyes looked up.
And then the full veil was ruptured.
Arrogance turned into fear,
then into terror discerning
the prophecy shunned was real.

To and fro, horrific scene,
tens of thousands sought the ark
now too late seeking salvation
when, suddenly, in the dark,
cavities of the deep were opened.
Waters gushed out from below
precipitating to join
the deluge from up above,

and tearing from human hands
the great vessel of salvation.
Every voice forever hushed,
and earthquakes swallowed creation.
The punishing sound like thunder
beat the ark for forty days.
God Himself kept it afloat,
the reward for Noah's faith.

Nine months the waters receded
until the ark came to rest
upon a mountainous region,
the Village of Eight its nest.
When humans saw the earth barren,
everyone began to cry.
They lifted their hands imploring,
through their tears beheld the sky.


And beyond Ararat Mount,
though lifeless and dull each slope,
they beheld across the heavens
a vision that brought them hope.
A rainbow, promise of God,
of vegetation's re-birth,
and that never again waters
would slay the entire earth.

But the rainbow was much more
than a vision and a token.
It was assurance of mending
a relationship long broken.
For the Lord deemed it appropriate
to show the family grieving
the robes of light Eve and Adam
wore when they lived in Eden.

For God had dressed the first pair
with crowns of light on their heads,
elegant rainbows their garments,
splendor of colors the threads.
Such glorious apparel sealed
their obedience and perfection,
innocence, respect of nature,
and noble every affection.

The family stood in awe,
beholding the rainbow's beauty
and were encouraged to labor
for God in each daily duty.
The Holy Spirit compelled them.
Boldly they approached God's throne,
sincerely yielding themselves,
seeking to be transformed.

For in spite of all the chaos,
they were one with the Divine,
for such is God's will and promise,
and the rainbow was its sign.
From there they went forth renewed,
believing the Lord would bless,
and on the last day award them,
their rainbow and royal dress.


Copyright © 2000, 2020 Teresita Perez

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