I Am The Ritual Miraculous flames Transform my sacred energy Into a guardian spirit I am ash and dust Traced symbols in newly turned earth The sanctuary inaugurated To give these servants new strengths Separation of the soul Pull their children out from the lakes Caressed then by flames Celebrated by sacrifice Effigies of death Seized with sweet frenzy A climax to the ceremony Purifying powers of the fire All smeared with oil All smeared with blood Holy mother merciful Holy mother angel The hot winds roar I am the altar The bone rattle shakes I am the drum The canary jar breaks I am in the soil Cinders in the hearth I am the ash Tail-feathers coagulate I am the blood A pile of fragments I am the dust Blown to the four corners of the world Oh lord have mercy on me Oh lord have mercy on my soul The initiations end Leave behind regrets Draw me in the dust Throw me to the stars Sung between the tears Remembered for a day and a year The rhythm builds up I am the barrel The chanting grows louder I am the sun The rope constricts I am the fever ritual The feet turn the dirt I am the dance The convulsing of muscles I am the sweat The vessel is a blessed sacrifice Sacrificed for us all