Sonnet XXV from 'The Assent' sonnet sequence-a long poem by R.C.Appleton

Sonnet XXV

I have a devil's contract, twenty-five
Good years of wild intensity I signed
In blood on parchment skin, and while I live
Consort with goblins of each kind, maligned
In every kind of scripture. I've a pack
Of Tarot cards that have a demon in,
He's bound by a great Buddha, in a sack
Of orange silk, and is a mortal sin
In European terms to even name;
I have a rosary of little skulls
Made out of yak-bone, which I count my prayers
And supplications on, in syllables
Of arcane tongues the Himalayas know
That reach great heights, where ancient spirits go.

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