WEEK 7 - THE SONG, Part 3 of 3


"She must grind the root of the Azure tree.
And drink it in thirds between dusk and dawn.
This after the birth of her one or two child
More children than that and she'll waste her life.

"Should she do wrong and her spouse beat her,
She must strike back with wood in her hands.
Stand back and explain, bellowing with wrath
That no man has the right to smack her back.

"Listen very carefully to this next I say:
She must ask 'Why' wherever men crowd.
She must therefore refrain entering kitchens.
Instead – sit with men and hear their banter.

"Although they'll shoo and chase her away,
She must return and never cease 'Why'
For from 'Why' her mind and soul will forge.
She who asks 'Why' will quickly glean truth.

"She must also resist conformity.
Her mother in this is her worst enemy.
Her pains will be great and the girl will oft' fail.
But far worse will it be if she denies herself."

The Old Woman's voice steadily fades
Her legs fold beneath and she sways
She sits down hard in the middle of the wet
As white tide foams tickle her waist

The Old Woman looks fondly at the child
Sleeping against her wasted chest
The Old Woman gestures Little One forward
With tears in her eyes, Little One goes towards

"Say all to the child when the time is right."
"You bestow upon me an impossible task.
How will I know when the time is right?
Not to mention the song's knee deep in verses!"

The Old Woman cleans Little One's teary eyes
And gives her a kiss on her low forehead
"The Gods will remind you, dear Little One.
As for when, the child herself will say."

The Old Woman gives the girl-child a kiss
Gently hands her to the little one
"Step back, Little One, my time is up."
The Old Woman reclines on the gentle waves

Standing on dry land with the sleeping child
Little One watches as the tide rolls in
The Old Woman's body is washed by the surf
And in time is received in the hands of The Gods

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