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.