Dwell In Shuqba Cave

Dwell In Shuqba Cave
© Surazeus
2025 01 12

Shouting at restless shadows of despair, 
Sethur leaps through forest of olive trees 
to chase demonic creature of his mind, 
then crouches behind large boulder of faith 
while clutching ash spear with tip chipped from stone, 
honed sharp with urgency of fearful hope. 

Breathing deeply to calm his pounding heart, 
Sethur tries to listen for sounds of steps, 
but hears only the turtle rustling leaves 
and ravens flapping wings in olive trees, 
so he peers around the boulder of faith 
and sees young woman in white linen gown. 

Observing how she tiptoes slowly forth, 
crouched low as she glances around in fear, 
while clutching basket of berries and eggs, 
Sethur deduces with grin of relief 
that she must be the shadow of despair 
who ran away swift as a frightened deer. 

Clambering on top of his boulder of faith, 
Sethur sits cross-legged and eats a pear, 
then sings heart-calming psalm his mother sings, 
and sees from corner of his hawkish eye 
the hiding girl stares at him in surprise, 
but stays hidden in the mulberry bush. 

Calling to the girl who hides in the bush, 
Sethur offers juicy pear in his hand, 
so she leaps up and shouts, "You frightened me, 
stalking me like the wolf who killed my mother," 
then snatches the pear from his hand and eats 
while he leans against the boulder and grins. 

Glancing sideways at his face as she eats, 
she asks, "Who are you sneaking in the woods? 
My name is Anath, sister of King Baal 
and daughter of the Priestess Asherah 
who manages orchards of olive trees. 
You should not sneak around here like some thief." 

Caressing her cheek and kissing her soft lips, 
he whispers, "I am Sethur, son of Michael, 
from the tribe of Asher, son of Israel. 
I was sent to secretly scout this land, 
and I rejoice to meet the Queen of Beauty." 
Anath and Sethur embrace and make love. 

While his tribe invades fertile land of Canaan 
and conquers her tribe with bitter warfare, 
Anath and Sethur journey in lush hills, 
and dwell in Shuqba Cave by Natuf River 
where they tend olive trees and herd of sheep 
while raising seven children of their love.