Anthropology Note 342/56:799

In many larger settlements

is found a temple, monolithic

where priests and acolytes do pray,

amass’d behind magnetic locks

in monochrome (but never red)

for enigmatic sorcery

On willing supplicants;

Only the frail, alone unmasked

present themselves to be exposed,

their hidden depths revealed to all

in blinding light, by knife and saw

with hope of purging ill within;

Just wisps of smoke and char remain

from electrical excision;

No cry escapes enfolding hush,

and speak they not of secrets dark

nor of a death in pain...