The Ecstasy of Death

“The Ecstasy of Death”

Something in you is ready.
You’ve known it for some time now.
Something in you longs for release.
To give up the ghost.
To resolve itself into a dew.

In Olden days, our Peoples met
to meet such matters as Tribe, Conclave, Community.

In Olden days, through Rite & Ritual, we met such measures together.

To Grieve what is gone.
To Free what has fallen.
To Sing a dirge to the Past.

Will you die with me to what no longer serves so that new life can be born?

Will you die with me so that a future beyond our wildest imaginings can arise from the ashes?

Will you die with me so no one has to carry their own casket alone?

Without fire, there can be no Phoenix.
Without pressure, a diamond remains unmade.
Without the abrasive object, the snake cannot shed its skin.

Together we cast the bones.
Together we mourn the dead.
Together we acknowledge what is lost.
Together from the ashes, we Rise.

Memento Mori.
Life is a gift.
Only death is promised.

What are you ready to let go of?

I invite you into a dance with death.
A tribal ritual of Release.
A pathway to Ecstasy.

-Mikaal Bates