EVOKING IMAGES OF PAGAN RITES

I was a one-eyed child who stood in wonder of the world

I heard a whisper say, “There’s a future to chase”

The eagle of experience, the hawk of genes, then swirled

and firmly locked their claws in my innocent gaze

Now, broken down, I’ve watched

what I should not have seen

It merely taught me what decomposition means

The prize for weary years after trudging up the hill

is falling off the cliff, while

chewing sugar-coated pills

Forced to stare life in the whites

Evoking images of pagan rites.

I was a carbon copy who was feeling ill at ease

I had to wear the zeal of the mob on my sleeve

I signed an application for my personal release –

the mob refused exemption for what I believed

I felt frustration beating wildly in my chest

Deceived I knew my heart was swindled of its zest

Opinions must agree with whatever is allowed,

you can’t be different, no,

you can only join the crowd

Head kept low and fists clenched tight

Evoking images of pagan rites.

A man approached to tell me

he had something I should try

He offered me advice and to make me his ward

“Why, you will burn in hell

unless you’ll let me be your guide,

my tutor’s fee will warrant you heaven’s rewards”

I told him “No thank you, no mysticism for me,

I can’t believe in something that my eyes can’t see”

Responding to my cheek, with a cross he struck my head

till I no longer moved and he judged that I was dead

Leaving, cursing me with spite

Evoking images of pagan rites.

The ancient crone cawed loudly

as she grabbed me by my arms

“Come, share with me your youth

– I’m the queen of the hive”

Another woman told me,

while she roped me with her charms

“You’re such a handsome boy, I could eat you alive”

Then came this woman who adopted me for pet

Until she kicked me out by cutting loose her net

She’d kept me like a mantis, who’s destined for his tomb,

my body had been used as a tool to warm her womb

Instant pleasures, crashing kites

Evoking images of pagan rites.

(CONTINUED)