The Path XI
Artwork by Gail Bradshaw
XI is the final piece in The Path.
Scintilla of hemidemisemiquavers A fine firm fermata Two hundred and fifty six times I told you Underneath this continuo of steel the magma roils One single ear Will hear Pluck pluck the rusty string Iron stained fingers ache Damp leaves in summer rain will ease the pain We’ll share the birthday cake Bend the knee Plant the seed Try to understand Call her name She is in need The ending has been planned. Sing thoughtfully The night will fall And cover up the day The donkies dreaming In their stall snort We are on our way The tactus and the hocket Ascend in modes peculiar Each cowled head Bowed towards the bed Of lord and child and ruler. Howls of anguish reach the moon No wolf cries such a stanza Two hundred and fifty six tears A burning grand cadenza