because a collective of voices would rise
together before the slaughter
of a kid in the name of some ancient god
or another? Blood has always accompanied
sorrow whether it be at the hands of Agamemnon
or Abraham. The ultimate test. Are you willing
to kill, the grease of dark meat on your cheeks,
the slick blood on your hands? How hungry
are you? What are you willing to do
to gain the favor of whatever god
looms near, mouth open
and ready to devour?