Altar of the Flesh - flipside B - Barbara LM Handley

Altar of the Flesh

The moon wears Earth's shadow
like a caul upon her face;
guards her savage brilliance
conceals the sacred place.

You lead the druid's dance,
leaping among ancient stones;
darken a night of mists,
bring life-wish to long-dead bones.

The summons of your flute
draws me to the sacrifice
of our flesh on the altar
blessed by your hands so ice
cold as you caress my face
when we dream in the shelter
of our mutual embrace.

Spirits walk the hollows
of the hills at your command,
restless with a hunger
for the pressure of your hand.

They will seek to know you,
tap the power of your senses.
The armor of my love
will strengthen your defenses.

The summons of my smile
forms the pathway which you roam
and flesh becomes the altar
where passion finds a home
in the sweetness of your breath
protected by the shelter
whose walls will withstand death.

1990

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