Inquisition – Yael Veitz

Inquisition


She’s no radical.
Her secret siren choir
just draws her in

Once she gave
a confession like shattering glass

up went the torches
excommunication
priests hurling insults 
children throwing stones

The next day 
She stuffed her ears with rags
cloaked herself 
carried talismans to shield her
crossed the ocean

Marrana in a new land
still lighting candles
still stealing kisses
behind locked doors

She’s no radical.
She did what she needed to 
as did all the crafty girls before her
slipping into night

The crucifix was a lie then
It is one now —
no matter the reason
they needed it.


Yael Veitz