He lies in repose wrapped in linen,
his beard and long white hair
a mantle around his face and shoulders…
framing his now peaceful golden aura,
Antonio.
The men are playing music –
a sitar, a doumbek, a nose flute…
all the tribes are represented;
while the women dance in a circle
spiking each chorus
with mad wailing and tremulum.
Hypnotizing, whirling colors blend
into a serpentine dance of love
as the goddess appears in a long white tunic –
a blue charmeuse veil covers her head.
She stands alone glowing
as the others dance around in a circle
dramatically flinging their arms,
hair and veils in intricate patterns…
finger cymbals countering the rhythm of the music.
Ta-takka, takka, ta…
Ta, takka, takka, taa…
Tah, takka, takka, takka, tah…
Love melding into a blanket of prayer and tears
lifting the anointed into the next realm.
Antonio, Antonio!
the crowd wails crying for themselves
at the loss of him…
The goddess, the lover, the beloved –
Her white light and guidance
something to inspire us…
Antonio,
honest, loving, gentle, man
ascends and the next journey begins.
Antonio, Antonio.
(First published 1/29/12)
