Sacred Land

In our sacred land
there is one most holy day each year,
holier than Christmas or Passover,
holier than Diwali or the end of the Fast,
holier than the Fourth
or the Feast of Mary Magdalene.
It's the day when every rule is broken,
the past is drowned in forgiveness,
the difference between festival
and meditation gets washed away
by laughter and tears.
It's the day when we gaze namelessly
into the eyes of rival tribesmen
and fall in love with thieves on crosses.
Every prison cell is opened this day.
On this day we smear our faces with chocolate
and drink red wine. On this day we close
our ancient books and dance with valor
among the ruins.
Clothing is optional. Everything is optional.
There is only one law: "Love and do what you like."
The word “no” cannot be spoken.
But this too sounds like a rule, so some folks
just sing “no” all night in holy defiance.
Other days of the year
get soaked in the cream of this day.
God walks on earth this day, because God
is a Man without fear, and a Woman free.
Now I'm sure you are asking,
“When will this day come?”
So I'll answer you, friend.
This day is today.
Are you ready?
Are you sure?

Painting: 'Tribal Dance' by K. C. Aryan