TENDER INTERLUDE

Their rites of burning
incense, camphor, aloes, musk
match nuptial baptism
by sprinkling burnt nail parings
three eyelashes, seven head
hairs, seven pubic hairs
on her viands while he gets
the fare of crushed lion-
penises, cocks' testicles
and goat sperm to deflower maid
with or without mantra
or sacrifice at altar
can't ensure Shiva's
virility uniting
all the elements through earth
nor liberate the first
night in bed elaborate
genital enthusiasm