RELIGION Poem: Neglection of the Theotokos, by Lily Clifford

God is a parasite within women. Leeching substance from each organ, displacing her loins.
Life knit through crimson waves, curdled by screams.
Dirt clings to babe and child. Both shiver. Both cry bitter tears.
The Divine is found in the soul of women. Sharing the burden of creation, they embody the ache of rebellion. Silently observing the hate given and received by children. Swords pierce, blood pools, unflinching eyes.
Neither may flee from death, they are forced to look upon it and contemplate their role.
If not for one, the other would not be.
Cradling potential, yearning for worship, gazing upon decay.
Crushed under the burden of expectation.
The Church offers a promise of absolution by water, accepting only a sacrifice of blood.
Chaos washes the darkness of ages, I see.
From Mary to Grandmother, all the way down to me.
The Church neglects the Divine Nature as it buries the pain of women through sunlight that blinds instead of warms.
The forgotten veil at the altar’s edge. Praying for the world, left in the dust of the cassock.

Author: poetryfest

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