This is the night for Yahweh

Christian Century, Jan 27, 2004 by John Forbis

This is the night for Yahweh

   The dough is not fermented;
   provisions are not made;
   and yet, it is time.
   The Egyptians are pressing us.

   The bell is ringing.
   I curse to myself,
   looking down at my watch.
   The bell insists. I am afraid.

   OK, OK, I say aloud
   (for such curses can't
   be uttered by a monk)
   walking to the church.

   Egypt is stripped.
   The mind empties
   like a slow leak
   And we begin the long journey ...