A Song of Kali

I was a lover of Kali born in the kingdom of Sol

Kali was unknown in these parts at this time
Nor were there even tales of Kali remaining or broken images scattered in the dust

The oldest of our clerks and nurses remembered no tales of Kali only Sol
With his glistening hammer and bright anvil

My brothers raced to learn the games and practice
Diligently the ways of Sol. I joined in
Halfhearted
I was thought to be faint hearted

Yet I yearned for the stealthier arts
Yet I yearned though I did not know it for the strong green ways of Kali
I spent my days in the shade by the river

I wished that I was more like my brothers.
I wished that I could please my father
My brothers pounded one another on their shoulder pads
And batted one another on their helmets with the blunt ends of spears
They formed long lines and marched in great precision singing lusty songs

I learned instead the ways of the bow and arrow, the trip line and wooden flute
I carved oaken images and fashioned songs that I could sing for no one

Around my father I denied myself

Where are the woods which once ran so far?
Stricken down for fields
Where are the foxes hiding in the glen?
Chased down by the master’s dogs
Where are the maidens with bosoms bare and flowered garlands in their hair?
Where are the songs we used to sing, where the tears they used to bring?

We found each other for a time, these unknown lovers of Kali
And sat in circles around small fires smoking the ancient herbs
We fashioned for a time the unknown ways of Kali
And for a time believed them
For a time we believed
we were beautiful and young
We thought for a time that it would last
But it is difficult in the kingdom of Sol
It is difficult in this day and age
To stick and to remain

Among the unremitting days