Spells

Spells 

               for Yul Brynner

"As it is written, so shall it be" will

     breathe miracles on the fly?

     Et cetera, et cetera can't sacrifice

peace to appease god. How can blood

shield one from world courts or opinion?

Whatever Moses did or Daniel thought

with his dazzling mind, both trembled

     before god yet believed unbelievers

might kill them. But dreams, spells spoke

     of heaven's powers to protect them

or at least guide their escape from death?

     Earth magic versus blood magic differs

little for god who formed Adam from clots

     of blood, breathed, "Become a people."

[sonnet]