the cracking of leather followed by the sting of torn flesh

a spray of vermilion across the granite wall

low whispered prayers and self flagellation as the moon sinks to the west

the black blue over the eastern mountains begins to be flecked with streaks of angry pink

a bruise in reverse spreading across the land

rubicund upturned faces as the glory of rebirth sweeps the land

a sunrise affirmation ritual

clicking prayer beads and thanks fill the courtyard as red fades to rust stains

coarse spun robes and rheumy eyes, ambling steps and crowing roosters, glory to the fresh spun day