Looking toward Jerusalem

Part of my Lenten practices this year is once again reading the poems in Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems. Here's an excerpt from "Looking toward Jerusalem":

The journey to Bethlehem
was much more to my liking.
....

I want to linger here in Bethlehem
in joy and celebration,
knowing once I set my feet
toward Jerusalem,
the Child will grow,
and I will be asked to follow.

....

It's hard to get away
this time of year;
I don't know how I'll manage.
It's not just the time. . .
the conversation along the way
turns from Birth to Death.
I'm not sure I can stand
the stress and pain;
I have enough of those already.
Besides, I've found the lighting
on the road to Jerusalem
is very poor.
This time around, there is no Star. . .