Ndimyon and the Goddess : Priest

By : Jericah Helios

 

     They worship you. They bow before your altar, prostrate themselves upon the filthy floor. All in respect…no, AWE of you. Awe of the power that you supposedly have.

     (Goddess, moon, Moon Goddess, Goddess of the Moon. )

     You can see all of this.

     I can see all of this. Of course I will, I lead them all.

     High Priest of the Moon.

(On and on again.)

     (Your servant. Your offering. Your medium. Your priest. Yours.)

     “Give this as an offering!”

     Nod mutely. Eyes cold on the simpering fool.

     “Priest!” Bag of coins placed on my hands. “Do not forget my intentions”

     I nod again.

     Outside, I can see dusk finally falling and in that unspoken signal, I turn away from the lot and make my silent way into the temple. I can hear the soft whisper of my robes against the ebony floor. They approach but stop at the ivory pillar that marks the boundary of their world and yours. I turn and look at them.

     (Ivory on ebony. Ebony on ivory. White bone moon on black pitch night. Silky black hair on gossamer skin laced with sweat droplets.)

     “The night comes” my voice comes out rusty, unused. “The Goddess will watch over you while I make the offering you have told me to make.” I nod. They had fallen silent when I spoke.

     (This is not the power I wish to wield. Not over them. Not them. You. Goddess, moon, Moon Goddess, Goddess of the Moon, my moon, my Goddess)

     “Leave.” I raise my arms out in benediction. “The Blessing of the Goddess shines upon you all!”

     As if my words were the cue, the moon sprang out from behind a cloud.

     I turn and walk slowly into the temple, forcing a slow, respectful walk. Heavy with meaning.

     (That I would rush inside, like a child to it’s presents. Like a child from the cold dark night to the light within)

     They do not follow.

     (Warmer within)

     Of course. I am the priest.

     High priest.

     (Quieter within)

     Ndimyon. Ndimyon.

     (Within)

     Beloved of the Moon.

     (Within you)

 

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