THE FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION

THE FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION

The Jordan crossed, with Joshua they knew The sharp flint’s mutilating womb of pain Having known freedom and desert. Averting Their eyes, the looming stones of Gilgal grew Phallus-like, tumescent. An icy dew Beaded their bodies. Foreskin gone, obscene, Their gear lay open to the sky, drenched in Non-menstrual blood. This God, cruel and new To them, man-cruel, wanting their private flesh, Entered their souls like iron: Was the rock Where tender Ishmael’s puberty still cries; Sanctioned young Shechem’s heavy wounded cock, Carried the Christ Child to be circumcised.