RITUALS BEFORE THE DARK
©1999 by shadowJewel
High up, the stone
sits absorbing the cold of middle night
In the dark of the moon
it awaits a body –
living stone warmed by living flesh.
Below sounds begin
only faintly heard
on the High Tor, wafted upward
on rising currents
through mists circling its base.
The beginning is signaled.
Out of silent doors
lights burst,
lights of warm
surrounding the flesh.
Draped in homespun, rough
on virgin skin, the Penitent
stands, head bowed,
ashen curls hidden deep
within the cruel texture.
Kneeling at the base of the chill stone
the Penitent is stripped,
alabaster skin reflecting a golden aura
from warming torches, and shivers
at sudden exposure to the chill of darkness
and that radiating from the stone.
Pulled upright, hands bound in prayer,
warm flesh is laid
to warm the stone.
It has begun.
Thirteen figures are locked
in ancient ritual.
Twelve figures move
as in the motion of stars,
black-cowled,
torches high illuminate and warm
both stone and offering.
On warming stone
the Penitent shivers –
anticipation
fear
and cold of moonless night.
Dark rods appear from cloaked
depths, raised high,
pointed skyward,
to fall, each in turn,
warming flesh
and stone.
The Penitent endures, moisture
crystallizing on the altar.
Twelve circles,
twelve penance’s
twelve sins
bring forth a quickening.
Published: Parchment
Symbols, August, 1999
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