The Ember and the Root

There is death that gives birth

And I have seen the lotus-child

and I have seen the hornèd moon

But I have not seen me

and I have not seen you

Hidden fire, in the earth

under ashes, in the root

Secret life in semblance of death

The power that wakes

among far greater powers

without and within

Itself with which to contend

subject to serial deaths

A synthetic power

The river

has tributaries high and low

and death gives birth.

Ember and root; flame and leaf

Of the seven bones of metal

Of the seven ruling stars

Double-natured quicksilver

Subtle craftsman

Dreamsmith

Changing iron

into charms on his anvil

into gold over the flame

Light casts shade

Touching every face

All faces have their shadow

Secret life in semblance of death

The ember and the root