Holy Rites

 

Temptress witch, a worthy vessel to

carry our sin through fire to an angry

 

god. We absolve ourselves the lust of

survival, purchasing eternity as we watch

 

our mortal desire rise in flame, shaming

the womb its wicked betrayal of transient

 

life. As flesh dissolves to bone, and ash

swirls, we open our mouths, take the body

 

on our tongue like bread; sin-eaters baptized

in holy white. Here we plant new roots in

 

blood-rich soil, eat from the tree in our

wisdom, crush grapes from the winding

 

vine, drink the full cup and dream of

plunging the witch with burning

alder, her flesh covering our 

wounds like butter.

Reviews

[Farmgirl]

Hmm... very interesting piece . I must admit it intrigued me enough to bring me here and continue to view your writing ...

On this one ...

There is so much I want to say and so much I know not to ...

A toast to silence you left me with here _/

[Kristina Moulaison]

Well I appreciate you reading and leaving these thoughts. Thank you!

[Farmgirl]

Thank you for sharing...

[Creepy Swine Guy]

Do I contemplate properly? Are you alluding to "the witch" as the scapegoat for yearnings which we have defined as evil?

[Kristina Moulaison]

Perfectly! Could not have said it better myself! Thanks!

[Papaya]

We tend to burn and bury that which we fear and justify it somehow, what's different doesn't belong usually. Burn, clear and sow new (bad) seeds. Strong imagery. Enjoyed your poem, Kristina.

[Kristina Moulaison]

Wise words! Thanks so much. I appreciate you reading and leaving your thoughts!

[JT Godin]

Are trees on your mind, lately? Perhaps I should be thinking of ash as a reoccurring character?

Great imagery, again -- I quite like the style, and movement you've created.

[Kristina Moulaison]

I am sitting by a fire burning junk at the moment. My last poem was quit literal in its imagery; I am tearing a house apart and burning its insides. Although I do use that imagery a lot, I think. I do a lot of remodeling... and burning. :)