Price of Sacrifice

Even as a toddler,I remember the dense
smell of camphor and incense,
it filled the air accompanied by smoke
between it all someone spoke,
in loud and angry words
summoning the lords.

Surrounded by a cacophonic crowd
taking the name of 'Kali' loud
raised voices,gave me choices,
of seven different swords
as I pick one, a cry from the hordes
to signal the intent,
to which I unknowingly gave consent.

A goat, trembling,garlanded
vermillon on his forehead,resplendant,
walks to the priest,
who grabs the wordless beast
and lays him face down,
while the ladies of the town
sing hymns and paens in the Goddess’ name.

The priest raises his hand,
I am too young to understand
the chanting reaches the peak
and leaves me physically weak,
for when it drops..
the blade chops
body of the beast into two.

Like a bad dream,my screams
are drowned in my throat
animal blood bathes the soil,
crowd dances in the turmoil
pat my back and force me sweets
as I watch the severed head at Kali's feet.

Grandfather,he says I am blessed,
I have passed the test,
the priest is rewarded grand..
the ritual was performed as planned
and they scream..'Kali Maa'..they chant,
she will,my every request grant.

At night,I pray to the deity,unprepared,
I pray to Kali,a little scared,
and ask her for understanding and advice,
as to why my worthless life,merits this sacrifice..