Research: Journals
The Journal
Past Issues
29.2
Jesse Lee Kercheval
Why My father built this cityThe night my father received
the Vision of Zion, he was dressed
to take Mother to a concert,
but when he went outside,
he found himself in a city
high on a mountain. It was night
there too, but not dark.
Light shone from the windows
undimmed by curtains or glass.
Out of the open doorways
wandered sheep--chatting, laughing,
calling Salem to each other
as both hello and good-bye.
Salem, one of them said,
and then Father noticed
he was a sheep too.
His wool curled tight around
his face and feet, warmer
than any nightgown he'd ever owned.
Salem, said another sheep
who Father recognized at once
as Jesus, because his wool
was whiter than snow.
You are the light of the world,
Jesus said. Will you build me
a city that is set on a hill
and cannot be hid?
You bet, Father said.
And he did.
