They stripped me naked,

wrapped me in a cloak of nettles,

dragged me to Hell’s gate,

calling on those gathered inside

(seeking a way out)

to open up and take me in, away

from a world that such as I

dare stain with the juices of a sin

beyond redemption

Yet, the gate did not open

though their screams of abuse

did not cease

nor did those inside overtly refuse

to do their best…

for I made so bold as to call

upon Earth Mother

to rebirth me at the milky breast

of sanctuary

They slunk away like wolves

from firelight, heat and glow more

of a threat even than I;

as for those others for whom also

the gate refused to open,

they could but resume fighting

among themselves

over who was to blame this time

and in whose name

‘Peace, child,’ she croons reassuringly

from whom I inherit my sexual identity