I made a crown of Hawthorn leaves
to soothe the demons in my head,
three charms of bitter herbs and rue,
and buried them amongst the dead.

I forged a talisman so bright
of molten gold and silvered tears
an amulet to bear my shame
and succored it amidst my fears.

I tamed my haste with dreams of gods,
with wanton thoughts I cooled my breath
while deep within, my demons slept,
dank tendrils from the fields of Lethe

And while in darkling dreams I dwelt
I met a girl so fair of face
her voice like holy music spent,
her body pale and kissed with grace

She held my name upon her lips
like secret poems spilled from sun,
her fragrant skin a holy psalm
her kisses leaving me undone

And she undressed and bathed my heart
in waters running cool and still
and laid me down in linen sheets
and wrapped her soul against my will

While songs emerged from tongues unseen,
the skies split wide in dulcet blues
and bright earth gathered me in arms
to quell my blood in gentle hues

And I awoke, renewed and whole
sweet fire burning in my head
a world of promises new dawned
as angels wept and morning bled