He stands at
the base of the marble column. He is surrounded by the maidens of love, the
babes of guile scramble joyfully overhead - their impish delight in his love
spreads to all there. He stands naked, cleansed of all trappings of human
vanity, his soul purged and open to the blessings of the angel above him. The
angel stretches forth her hands; the crown of flowers descends to his brow.
About him the maidens stir - he is ready now to receive the cloak of silk, and
wrapped in their gifts the purity of his love shines all around him.
He is ready
to give.
He is ready
to receive.
He is ready…
To love
again.
The worlds
slows… stops… and fades.