Egyptian Scents

Smoldering charcoal breathes out incessant billows of smoke from the thurbile. The vessel heaves a representation of the all-consuming fire; holy above the horizon. The incense of praise doesn’t quickly dissipate like vaps because behind the movements is considerable weight. For a lifetime it lingers and then joins a great multitude of singers. Facing east, multi-directional movements swing sunwise. Facing west, the geometric patterns from the chains sing the power of the cross. The fixation is upon the King, and not the nicotine. Gravitational design grants the Coptic priest authority over the sundry sheep found among the microbus, metro, tuk-tuk and motorcycle. A circular procession over the Oriental rugs and around the altar is an ancient form. A rhythmic devo recited in indigenous Coptic verses burst on beats syncopated with hand cymbals. Holy smoke escapes the censer rotating the gift of worship; a sweet freestyle. 

The adolescent microphone bearer wears a t-shirt fitting for learning of identity and tradition by performing a Christian ritual. It reads, “New Generation.” A cross is in his other hand; snap chat evangel. He removed his sandals. The religious leader and his apprentice are centered underneath a keystone archway. The microphone cord delineates the boundary line not yet crossed. Marble voussoirs adorn King Jesus as the third person; the sent one. Through him alone prayers are scents. They mimic the chunky black and white curbs winding throughout Cairo. By the way we talk about the way could get in the way of someone else encountering the living God.

Honesty will come soon and flow through the knee and tongue with the truth. The wrong way down the one way. The honking becomes obnoxious. Holiness does not go with the toxic insecticides. There are no sects in the blood of righteousness. The youth will gradually mature into manhood by discerning between right and wrong, evil and good, and most importantly relationship with the risen King as opposed to the mere religious motions before realistic iconography. The next generation should know to be fit and ready in the final day will require making a meal of the bread of heaven and not paint chips. He produces life within us and adds to the voices of a thousand generations harmonizing a colorful song surrounding his throne.