The Art of War

Azazel is buried in the Desert

Remember
            that battle cry?¹

I’m not sure who the good guys are
            But do you know why
Azazel was condemned?

Because he taught the women arts
            of stars
            of plants
            of adornment of the eyelids

The Captain of the Angels is buried²
            again and again
            in the ground

the bones know his thought
roses covered with thorns
arise from that soil

if you possess these arts
you are in danger
guard the knowledge, maybe even from yourself
            until the green blade riseth
                       pass the time via craft
form a Guild
            the Guild of Flowers

Adorn the sacrifice become the sacrifice
each in due season
            wordless
            sound gone out into all lands
once spoken, twice heard

            Ne had the appil tàke bene
            Ne had never Our Lady
            Abene Hévene Queen
                       Deo Gratias!