Anna Cates

The Trial Of Mithras

salt desert
a scientist’s Mazda purrs
to a halt

In the beginning, the evil one ruptured the sky’s rampart, bringing havoc, death, and pain . . .

Persia. The fire ritual fire began. The communion meal commenced. Magi arrived with gifts, barsom twigs, and handshakes. Sacrificial bull . . .

blue mountains
the soul thirsty
as the Gobi