“To love me is better than all things. If under the night stars in the desert, burn incense before me, invoking me with a pure heart, and the serpent flame therein, and you will come to lie in my bosom.”
That sweet and powerful voice, how could they not put her on high? I wanted to run to her myself.
“Gather goods and spices, wear rich jewels, or carry only your love for me, and you will exceed the nations of the earth in splendor and pride, and so you will know joy. For one kiss, you will sacrifice all. Those who release to me but one particle of dust will in turn lose all their treasure.”
These old hoary rituals, written before the advent of modern propaganda, were often more amusing than inspiring. But this one was spot on, or at least she made it so. I admit it moved me.
“I charge you earnestly to come before me, if it be in a single robe, or covered in your finery. I love you! I yearn to you! Pale or dark, veiled or wanton, I who am all pleasure and purple, and drunkenness, desire you. Put on the wings, and arouse the coiled splendor within you: come unto me!”
She was changing the words. Most were subtle changes, taking out the thous and ye shalls, that grate on modern ears. There were changes in substance as well, a more egalitarian tone to it. I glanced at the audience. No one seemed to take offense. Ezra’s eyes adored her.
“Sing the rapturous love-song unto me! Burn to me perfumes! Wear to me jewels! Drink to me, for I love you! I love you. I am the blue-lidded daughter of sunset; I am the naked brilliance of the voluptuous night-sky.”
– My Babylon, Book Three: Risen
My Babylon – A serial novel about the paranormal and dark desires. The story of a cursed young man who has an intimate view of the Apocalypse. My Babylon weaves elements of urban fantasy, erotic horror, and real-world occult practices to form a unique personal tale that thrills, terrifies, and even enlightens.
My Babylon Complete, containing all five book is now available on Amazon Kindle and in print.