Pact

Like a morning star,
She illuminates me,
mapping my destiny
in a secret song.
the rhythm of my life pulses
in Her hands:
She's in me like a dream
honoured, like a word
you can't hear because
only the oceans can
pronounce it.

She bound me to the sea
as my mother offered
Her my black hair
and prayers.
i was six then.
and
She has lingered in me
like a fragant night,
like dame's-violet.

the first time
i had my hair cut,
She carried it
to her pure depths
where no man can see,
no bird can sing.

She owns me
and i dwell in Her signs.
some day i shall sit
by Her feet with the night
in my mouth and when
it happens, the southern windows
shall be open.

karla bardanza