Turning toward Jerusalem

What else is there
but to follow
the path
into the thick of it,
overhanging branches
twisted over and into
each other,
fireflies dancing
at the periphery,
mosquitoes snacking,
out of nowhere
deer hooves
drumming
through the undergrowth;
we neither give in
nor avoid
the fear,
we call to the caution,
move through the
rising panic,
enter deeper into darkness:
neither knowing
light will follow
nor being certain
it won't.