the seven guardians
myth and passion play

cardinal points of the horizon,
above and below,
and guiding all is the center.
convergence.
the center is full absolute.
all points,
all directions, emanating and pulsing
ever outward, and as a matter of course
returning again
as they become their inversion.

to the East,
giant, rolling woman,
gorged on all of creation;
casts benevolence to all quarters.

to the North,
stolid, reclusive man,
eyes forever closed;
never to speak or move.

to the West,
thousand-armed beast,
crazed and impossible;
drags creation into its gape.

to the South,
silent, langorous sleeper,
couched in steamy, still waters;
eternal dreamer.

to the Sky,
tireless scribe,
recording the creation in one stroke;
the flesh a tablet of revelation.

to the Earth,
labouring weaver,
resolutely repeating the form;
sustains the depiction.

To The Center!

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