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The Temple Prostitute

THE TEMPLE PROSTITUTE

The God came  to me in the guise of a stranger
His gold body scent was of great sublimity 
His arms were marble pillars,  and his embrace
Melted the whole world on my belly.

He tuned me to the refinement of my own nature -
Pitched me so exquisitely I fell from heaven -
Totally vanquished, till I remembered
All there was of paradise, and the number seven.

He has the unfolding of centuries since
To worship me as a goddess divine,
But they couldn’t build churches fast enough
To deny our union in the votive shrine.

The salt of humble pilgrims for my wantonness
I, who had everything but blessedness.

(c) Rosemarie Rowley
From IN MEMORY OF HER (2008)

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J Hamilton Gist

Date: 7/18/2016 7:07:00 PM

And it is blessing to read your blessedness cloaked.

Tom Arnone

Date: 6/27/2016 3:01:00 PM

Beautiful write! Tell me if I'm wrong; but, you're speaking of a false god, correct (capitalized or not). How did you fall from heaven if you were still living? In relation to the poem, what is the significance of the number seven? Perfect final stanza. :-)

Balveen Cheema

Date: 6/27/2016 1:44:00 AM

Rosemarie, the personifation of godliness and the message of finding everything blessed is beautiful!