Reconstruction of the temple of Jerusalem. From William of Tyre, Histoire d’Outremer.

France, Rouen, XVe siècle Artiste : Maître de l’Échevinage

Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits Français 2629, folio 17

1276

Sweat and stones

songs and joy

the roaring sounds

of promise

of hope

a harmonious symphony

full of colors

as bright as the skies

as light as the day

comrades

neighbors

adjoined

in awe of a beauty

a beauty that lies before them

praise

exalt

glorify His name

for it is with Gods hand

a palace was built

with His touch

the beauty was made

with His heart

the song was song

alas lies here

a temple among a nation

an empire among a God

a structure of gold

with a face of something more

—Nicole Schneider