Mystical poem written 8-28-24.
1. I see you truly, Oh blood-red god, Cutting Your way, Through the cosmos Unwanted until needed, Bringing heated shame, To the thundering Father, Who would forget You But I see You shining, Beloved of my goddess, In armor forged, In the heart of a star Black-haired and grim, Bombastic and raving, Oh Father of Fear, And blessed Harmony 2. I see You standing, Regal and alone, The final warrior left, Before the charge The battlefield swept, Clean and silent, Blood in Your mouth, You press the attack Tempting and tempered, A target for all takers, Screaming in rage, And fear, and need Against an enemy, Powerful and puissant, Born for battle, And itching to win 3. Oh scarlet war god, The sky is split open, And fire is poised, To rain from the sky Look upon those, Who would suffer, Who would live on, After the fighting Bless the peaceful, Bless the humble, Bless the dutiful, Bless the loving For I see You truly, And I see Your face, As You hold back tears, And return to the fight
Art: Diego Velázquez, “Descanso de Marte” (“Mars Resting”), 1640