High Quality
Open the downloaded document, and select print from the file menu (PDF reader required).
Cover and Title Page ArtbyChristine Alexander-MesserCopyright 1992by Omega Cat pressAll rights revert to creators upon publicationISBN 0-9631755-1-3$5.00Omega Cat Press904 Old Town CourtCupertino, CA 95014-4024
BORNEO ORDINATION
“Bless my chickensand this corn”raised to the painted priestwho holds all earswith his prayersin lingua Dayakstraining even through the latticesto his temple of palmsto chantsbehind the gamesof the longhouse boyswho breathe the smoldering cloves,sip Sprite from cups of coconut,and scratch beneath sarongsto relieve themselves of notesthey bet in Bahasauntil they hear father priest callthe bullcrowned with flowers and ribbonsfrom its throne of branches.They tether the beast to a stakeand draw their daggers high.The best of them slides off his sunglassesand sarong,accepts the torchfrom father priest,enlightens the tail of the bullwho circumscribesa circle perfectlybefore the tribealters its orbitsinuously with their blades.Father priest
ʼ
s procession to the centersilences the pumping ironsave for the fist of the naked young manwho cuts the throat of the bull,fills his hands with bloodand paints himself a newapostle.This is thanksgivingin Mancung.
Add a Comment