21 May, 2003

Sweet and silken beauty flows
'Midst midnight black and blood-red rose
In whorls and arcs and whisp'ring spins,
Unveiling hearts untouched by sins.

Hardened steel through hot air sings,
A breath from blood, its cold length rings.
There snapped to stop by corded arm,
Then off once more, quicksilver harm.

Rhythm beats 'pon taught-stretched flesh
As sweat-slick forms entwine, enmesh,
A coquette flirt with razor edge,
A consummation and a pledge.

Each step, each turn, each swing a test,
Young bodies strain, to limits pressed.
Through beauty, courage, strength and grace
They summon others in their place.

Thus blackest Death and fiery Rage
Find avatars on marble stage,
And mortal souls succumb to trance
So gods may join in their Blade Dance.