Take the Leap
by Skald

Imagine what may be possible---
what may be crouching in that long dark alley--- the one not on the map.... where the shuck and jive of the tourist-trade gives way to blank stares... eyes squinting from shuttered windows... the smell of cardamon and hashish...

A hidden shrine, bathed in blood...
annointed with homemade bread, rotting fruit, and a swarm of flies...

Circled by a jangling procession....
a preambulation...
an invitation....
a blessing.

What might await beyond the pages of the books:
brushes with death? unexpected satoris? strange visions? lifelong friends? disappointments? violence? reverie?

Sitting here, reading this, you'll never know.
Debating, insulting, agreeing, defining, arguing, admiring... you'll never know.

Safe, comfortable, confident-- you'll never know.