ceremony day (Maryam Davies)

Lowered eyes
Humbled spirit
The slave dropped to the ground
And said . . . .

"Awake,
and in sleep,
In Life,
and when death speaks my name

I feign to be shackled to your blackness.
To serve at your feet.
To massage the kinks under your crown.
To dry the summer sweat from the nape of your neck
with cool subtle breezes whirling through my lips.

Awake,
and in sleep,
In life,
and when death speaks my name

I will plead with you, my dusky Master
to guide me
along your slopes, low plains
and dangerous curves.
My soul's purpose is to learn
your body -- my cartography.

Awake,
and in sleep,
In life,
and when death speaks my name

I will drink the tears that drip
from the hills of your cheeks
if they shall come.
I will sip from your valley
to quench my thirst,
replenish my energy,
only to strengthen my will
to serve you.