Poem: Equivalent exchange

The sketched circle
drawn at the intersection of science
and mysticism;

an alter set for cruelest nature
and laid with blasphemous intent.

The human condition, its hidden riddles,
broken into each chemical constituent.
The most complex equation made simple –
the universe is laughing.

Palms charged on the circle’s surface,
a lay on of hands, disfigured evocation,
pulling a thread in time
undone in flesh and the spirit is tethered.

Blood flourish on stone,
marking mother’s ruin,
plans undone, a sibling re-written.

Sacrifice in skin, a limb given
to the great unknown
and binding the boy’s broken soul
to the armour that will be his body.

Dominic Cuthbert