Thomas McCarthy reads

Against a Dwarf

You scald this dwarfish outpour, you score
such names as these on seven wafers the paten:
Maximianus,
Malchus,
Iohannes,
Martimianus,
Dionisius,
Constantinus,
Serafion

And pray this paean afterward, sing to the left ear, pray likewise
to the right: crown of the head, with words manipulate. This time
a maiden hangs prayer upon your neck; a pendant for three days.
All shall be well.

And come upon you      this spiderlight
With cloak at hand      making you his horse-beast
His rope upon your neck      goading you ‘til airborne
For soon as lightened thus      fevers begin to cool
Companion of grief      this dwarfish sister
To degrade such heat      to sweat such oaths
Never to harm the stricken      never do worse
Not any follower      who breathing recites
Who gains such words      such gallant myths

It is written.
Amen.

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