Grammar of blood sacrifice
Routine offering makes a path
Say the Words
Blood, the physical form of the life force, must be returned
to stone to ground
Sorrow at the heart
which once was stone
Must I then give back what I never stole?
Yes, and more
no less
Blood pured on stone
pour the heart-sorrow
See the Words
In the woods the hart, antlered crown
What can I give in return for my life?
The altar must receive sacrifice
but the priests have grown far from the knife-edge
Say the words like you mean them
Wear the garment
Pull down the gesture
thin echo
Altar kept alive, still, by the knife/the shears
Rose, lily, bells of Ireland, alstroemeria, aster
Bearing flower in due season
their blood mixed with water for all to see
(except when held in brass or other vase)
fragrant whisper This
is my body
given for Thee