RITUAL POETRY
                            -------------

   The foillowing pieces are by their various individual authors, as noted, and was originally printed in Circle Network News (See File on Pagan Periodicals in this issue) and were submitted for public distribution here by Firedancer, a Wiccan priestess.



THE RITE OF PASSAGE    by Patricia Telesco
-------------------

And the Goddess smiled
on the ebony sea
as they sailed the reef of time
with silver suns
the winds of joy
and memories of a childhood rhyme.

The moon waxed full
o'er the waters glen
as through dreams night they flowed
with crystal mists
the celtic bowl
and ageless ones humming low.

They traveled beyond
all crafts and thought
up towards the violet ray
with cup and sword
the coin and staff
and light to guide their way.

And the Goddess smiled
as they landed safe
the vessel of their soul
with lessons learned
their gifts renewed
and hearts refreshed and whole.



ON DEATH             by Rose
--------

And at last there was Death, the end which
is the begining,
and Death spoke to me saying -
I am Hecate - the Old One, the Wise
One, the Dark One.
I am Kali - the Dancer of Death, the
Goddess of the Grave.
I am Lilith - the Devourer, the Destroyer.
I am the ancient Perfume of the Kalma.
I am as the Harpies and Sirens, whose
gentle song was the song of Death.
I am your worst fears and your deepest
desires
But above all else, I am Woman and
Mother - and my womb is both haven
and portal;
and I shall give you birth a thousand
times!