PREPARATION

     The house is clean and warm,
     My child sleeps.
     Now can the final rite be done
     In preparation for my king and lover.
     
     I bathe in silence.
     Running water, cool on my skin,
     Sluice all my cares and toils away.
     Hyssop and sage renew and cleanse,
     Henna and almond perfumed odors send.
     I leave the water
     And with hair and skin still damp, approach the altar.
     
     New set with candles, flowers, and offerings
     The altar stands adorned, waiting.
     Take up athame, cast a circle round
     Light candles, call directions,
     Make no sound
     That other than the gods may hear.
     Burn incense.  Musk and myrrh,
     Copal and frankincense,
     Thickly scent the air.
     
     Bright Aphrodite come, I bring you wine,
     Apples, grapes, and purple columbine.
     Dark Pan, I bid you visit this new moon
     Bring with your pipes the heat of passion's tune.
     
     Twin gifts, rose quartz, lie in a bowl
     To join us heart to heart and soul to soul.
     Tonight is not their time - that time will come
     When we consent to be as one.
     
     Tonight I preparations make.
     Tomorrow's love will shake
     The earth's foundations, but tonight
     Prepare and ward that all will go aright.
     
     Cut open apples, show the goddess-mark,
     The star within the sweet fruit's heart.
     Sip wine, pour a libation
     Gifts to the gods for wish's consummation.
     
     The ritual is done,
     Thank all that joined within,
     Extinguish candles, take the circle down.
     Now cold, the late night's air chill on my skin,
     To bed, to sleep and dream once more of him
     Who fills my thoughts tonight,
     And will tomorrow fill my arms and heart.
     
     January 27, 1997