V   THE HIGH PRIEST

I The Pope
I am the way which is narrow.

My lands, my people, my chair, my ocean, my towers,
          my beloved –
                    between you all
                              & the abyss
          I am the bridge.

You must cross me –
                    I am easy
          to lock horns with.
I am the guardian
                    of the gate.
I am the toll keeper
                    of my bridge –
I make the water run high
                    till barges quiver,

                    I unleash trolls,
I shake the heavens
                    & bring the rain.
I am the Pope – victory is mine,
          none can confront me,

& mine are the keys
          & mine is the only bridge.

II The High Priest
I am the way of the laughing water.

I am the wild water
                    over which they build bridges
                    that might lead nowhere –
quietly
                    I lap over them.
Nightly every star
                    is my friend,
          every creature
                    shares its secret.
My thoughts are my offerings
                    for all the people
                    as I swing back the curtain
                    to display the light/dark stage.
I am the high priest –
                    I encompass
                              all I can.

I inflate with the weather,
I light fires,
          ever burning,
                    through which
                    Quintessence
                    may sometimes shine.

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