Suite Sacrifice

(In the Realm of Gloriana, IV)

I have heard the music at the heart of faire,
Heard it in the throbbing harp, the bell,
The lute, the trumpet and the lowly rumble-pot,
The drum and dulcimer --
Heard it in laughter at a clever jest,
In common cadence and in noble rhythm wrought,
Heard it in the gay parades and staid processions,
In the murmur and the babble,
In the cheers and in the rabble's raucous roar.
Heard it in the silence --
When the breath is stopped by beauty
For a moment out of time --
In hawkers' cries, in pleasure-seekers
Finding gleeful harmony with others of their kind.

I have heard the singing of the soul of faire,
A siren song sung in sun and shadow,
Whispered, sibilant and sweet seduction --
Then clear and high and sharp,
A silver knife
Drawing my blood.