I Went down into the Desert

    I went down into the desert
    To meet Elijah -
    Arisen from the dead.
    I thought to find him in an echoing cave;
    For so my dream had said.

    I went down into the desert
    To meet John the Baptist.
    I walked with feet that bled,
    Seeking that prophet lean and brown and bold.
    I spied foul fiends instead.

    I went down into the desert
    To meet my God.
    By him be comforted.
    I went down into the desert
    To meet my God.
    And I met the devil in red.

    I went down into the desert
    To meet my God.
    O, Lord my God, awaken from the dead!
    I see you there, your thorn-crown on the ground,
    I see you there, half-buried in the sand.
    I see you there, your white bones glistening, bare,
    The carrion-birds a-wheeling round your head.