Rites of Becoming
a ritual in two parts
These poems are based on the prompt by The In Between: THE HAPPY PLACE.
If you enjoy my work and would like a custom piece or to have input on future projects, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support is what keeps my dream alive 💜
I. The Initiation
And it was then,
within this voodoo lodge,
that the black light of dawn
bathed the birds in death.
“Something has been slain!”
And the unhinged ones laughed,
the will-o’-the-wisps burned,
and the woman who would unmake time
was born.
II. The Banquet
I went,
draped in a shawl of feathers,
at the appointed hour.
On the table,
thirteen plates,
thirteen glasses,
and two great bowls
brimming with entrails.
The viscera gleamed
like medals of gold,
frosted by the red light
of dawn.
We took our places
at the corners
(as rehearsed),
and devoured
until we collapsed.
Then, suddenly,
a strange vigor
flooded our bodies.
Our skin shimmered,
our eyes grew deep—
emptied—
and the sweet taste of blood
pierced our souls.
Like a drug,
we were born again,
lived again,
returned—
drunk,
free,
unconquered.
Author’s Note: these poems are a revised version of two pieces included in my second self-published book El Apocalipsis de Las Flores (The Apocalypse of The Flowers). Since they were originally written in spanish I carefully translated and reimagined them to better fit the prompt.
The book is an homage to femininity and witches in history, using both fictional worldbuilding and historical records. This is probably among my favorite work I have ever written.
As extra content for paid subscribers, I’m considering translating it fully and publish both the original and newer versions as I work through them. If this is something you might be interested in, please do let me know.
With love, Kasu.
If you enjoyed reading these poems, you might also love:
Every quiet gesture helps.
𝓶𝓶𝓶 [[[🖤]]]
Astoundingly gorgeous!