I arrive with my entourage of worms at the copy of Ishtar’s Gate<\/p>\n
existing on the astral plane –<\/p>\n
it shimmers and winks at us discreetly, and the clouds are on their toes around it,<\/p>\n
asking us to please be as quiet as possible. And who is there,<\/p>\n
trapped in the Gate? the heretic\u2019s livestock wades amongst the lazuli depths,<\/p>\n
bathed in oils and anointed for a light spring sacrifice.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
my worms are weary, and they crawl into my hair, my hair is lathered<\/p>\n
in static from the despair of the inhabitants who wander within this Gate.<\/p>\n
Ishtar, Ishtar, you\u2019re already in my legs, leading them<\/p>\n
to golden mines, immersing them in salt-filled baths to draw out toxic cells and contemplations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
it\u2019s nightfall at the Gate; the worms itch to tuck themselves into the folds<\/p>\n
of the deep earth and the dark earth<\/p>\n
but I force them to wait with me to hear instructions –<\/p>\n
Ishtar, Ishtar, giver of the milk that now curdles at my feet,<\/p>\n
my worms and I need to be put to rest –<\/p>\n
Command This\u2026!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ishtar\u2019s Gate is shrinking and my worms are one big ball of mush.<\/p>\n
the rooster crows to tell me to retreat and that I need to try<\/p>\n
to wrench out my maternal instinct on another day.<\/p>\n
and still it is impossible to muffle Ishtar\u2019s (Ishtar, Ishtar) whispers<\/p>\n
and her rippling murmurs mocking my museum texts<\/p>\n
that sophisticate the brute Augustus, wearing her pelts on flimsy acrylic skin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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