The Narcissus Bind

Place upon red embers of cedar root

A new-baked cauldron made of dismal clay.

Whilst the temper glows, angry sparks soon shoot.

Seek'st precious moment, when blue flames play.

(mak'st thee sure the root is river-lived - and the clay from graveside shadow)

Next, on the hind of white sycamore bark,

Thy true-heart's most sacred vows should thee pen.

Both the secret promise to bear his mark,

And those thou hast sworn to priest, kith, and kin.

(thee must needs to use young capon quill, and ink from a newborn caul)

Caution! Use caution! Be thee most guarded!

Lest from your labour ye shall earn a scar.

Mind ye, belov'd, burnt flesh only hardens

Scabbed under blister from strange potion's char.

(wrap tight thy arms in parchment, and enshroud thy eyes with lard)

Into scald'n cauldron cast the power:

Angelica will bring humility.

Rose dwarfs the charm of vanity's flower.

Costmary will sap lust's virility.

(As the fumes begin to bloom, cast the bark and a measure of saltpeter mixed with lyme)

T'is thine to choose the fretful days to come.

New wine perforce will give long life with pain.

Tannin draught will hold the liars tongue dumb.

Mangrove root tea will drive the mind insane.

(Because tis thine to choose the potion, hex, and bind, so choose with care, them leave regret behind)

As thy chosen potion cools, seal it tight.

Prithee to crush the cauldron unto dust.

Bury neath where neglect did love requite.

But save a pinch! Twill ward off weak love's lust!

(wear the dust combed through your hair, for when thee bind, twill keep thy lustful thoughts at bay)

Now come, at last, the bind'n time is nigh.

Call out love's thief with drug of flattery.

Serve up elixir when full moon flies high.

Chant thee thrice: Thee will love me, utterly!

(Three times the charm. But know this, beloved, once your bind has set, their ingrown heart be yours to tend .... forever)

Naomi - chickenteeth