A Process for the Creation of a Revenant

a ritual voice, spoken where the living bear witness and the words will not hold

…

1.

Lay the body’s length

on a bed of ash.

Do not look at the face

for too long.

…

2.

Tie a white thread

around a wrist—either

will do—tears must

not touch them.

…

3.

Knead the cooling

heart. Listen

for keening—

do not reply.

…

4.

A hollow bone, pushed

deep into the lungs

is the path

of breath.

…

5.

Steal beeswax

from a queenless hive.

Voices will come—

stop your ears.

…

6.

Film your eyes with

snake-fat. There are

things you were never

meant to see.

…

7.

When the body

shudders and the eyes

open, speak.

…

8.

Do not expect

the reply

you hoped for.

…

…

9.

…

…

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