Song of the Age (cont.)

The world spun,

Spun so fast,

But time passes so slow.

Through the lush gardens,

Through Jodo,

We danced

You walked on the soles of your feet

All four paws,

Honey-lover

You wore heavy fur and claw,

A bee-keeper and berry-eater;

Gentleness and mercy your flaws

Hidden deep in a savage appearance.

I knew this not; this was the cause

I left my child fast asleep

Upon the riverbanks for you to find.

Through the lush gardens,

Through the Divine land,

We danced.

I knew not love’s touch.

I did not believe;

A fool.

I was a young wife widowed soon

After the marriage I was forced into;

My only comfort swimming under the moon

And sweetly singing to my baby son.

You came to the river, drawn by my tune

And I fled; my death I thought you bringing.

A coward, I left my child behind.

We danced free, my love.

But the hunters found you with my son,

Nursing him with the honey on your tongue.

They found you worthy of their simple worship

And spilt your blood to set your spirit free.

Your feasts were great,

As befitted a bestial king.

I mourned you, my love.

But I was forced into wedlock again,

Even though I’d recognized you

And wanted no other but you for all time.

He raped me once; I took the pain,

But my soul would be my own, I swore.

And cast myself from my window to the streets below.