Michael E. Stone: Khor Virap

Khor Virap on a hill's shoulder,
not even reaching up to
near-far Ararat's ankles.
Its wall and dome
etched out.

Square gravestones scattered
at its foot,
Like so many children's blocks,

A boy sells doves,
(turtle doves?).

We bought ice cream and Coca Cola
by Gregory's vault-covered pit,
its wall engrooved
by ages' reverent kiss.

Copyright Michael E. Stone

Michael E. Stone is Gail de Nur Professor of Comparative Religion and Professor of
Armenian Studies at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The poem appears by kind permission of the author.