BOOK 49

--for Jack Parsons

I a Fool, Virgin at Yule.

You shone in the room before me.

Bared and new, I gave myself to

the Beast in me.

The aged queen is history.

Raise your glass high.

Drink now to me!

To Me!

Soul of night, child of twilight,

I straddle the sky, dark-lidded.

Heart of fire, I have inspired

all love songs.

Sing them to Me!

A bed of stars is made for thee,

thy Bride appointed. Come now to me!

To Me!

Sacred whore, I am the key

to the secret pleasure center.

Venture through my gate, and enter

the house of ecstasy!

The aged queen is history.

Raise your glass high.

Drink now to me!

To Me!