A Perverse Honor at That

The temporary city-to-be gathers rounds for the ceremony. I was taught years ago by the custodian of the temple that the gap is wide indeed between the ceremonies of power & ceremonies of the commons. On my own I've seen the many disguises of the ceremonies of power. Folk ornamentation. Plain speech & idle chatter between the ancient incantations. & the incantations spoken with neither understanding nor goodwill. Spoken with guile. an acid rain. We won't realize the effects until years from now. Why am I being honored? Why today? & why have I submitted to be used this way? Why have I consented to be part of the spectacle--the well-orchastrated circus that mocks our traditions while wearing its robes?

For the chance to speak.