Sacrificed in the Night
by Katheryn Simpson
i took your steps one at a time,
up the cliffs as they crumbled,
up the ancient foot worn paths,
knife sharp, armor ready as
the moon hung low and wide.
the wind whispered, eager, ready,
and the stones sit, heavy
unmoving, cold from the night.
each time the ritual gave raw comfort,
words muttered reverently
chest open to the moonlight,
the sacrifice bows to the heavens.
rested knife against throat, slash
blood dripped down warm against skin,
the fire warms, growing wider, higher,
sizzle, licking, kissing tender flesh.
and all my wordless prayers
rose up into the night.