The Candlelight Carnaval by Snipe
The Tibetans
began their pilgrimage weeks ago
leaving the meditative solitude
of the Tentpole of the Sky
bringing provisions and their
cherished antique tools-
ice axes and saws;
They have a Temple to build
Arriving at the lowest plateau
of the Forbidden Mountains
they begin cutting blocks of ice
from the nearby glacial lake
Down below-
the islanders are making candles
the wax is supplied by Otok's
bee keepers
Everyone on the island
make a candle-
each is inscribed with one thought-
a prayer
a wish
a hope
a condolence
a dream
a blessing
a promise
a thanks
These are kept private-
as personal as the inner workings
of the soul who wrote them
Those that are too
old or young
sick or lame
have their candles
wrapped in cloth and carried up for them
On the day of the Carnival
the frozen plateau is pulsing with life
the island stunned by the intricate
carving of the massive ice temple-
It stand stories high
inside stairs of ice
take the islanders to
turreted lookouts
Huge Saurian guardians
carved with such artistry
they seem to breath
make up the foundations
The Tibetans take immense pride
in their work-
accepting thanks and praise
with humility
There are games to be played
and food to be shared
old friends catch up on island news
musicians play
and actors recreate the story
of the first Candlelight Carnival
It's getting dark-
anticipation builds
at an appointed time
an alpenhorn rumbles the moment
all have been waiting for
A hush falls over the crowd
candles are readied
the islanders line up to the entrance
of the ice temple
The Tibetans act as guides
lighting each candle held
and escorting groups
into various chambers
each candle is placed
within a carved niche
each prayer given purchase
The islanders stand outside
the glacial temple
now a glowing beacon
illuminating the entire plateau
Each stands united within this
silent moment
Below-
those that couldn't make the journey
gather together
and place candles within
miniature crystal temples.
The Candlelight Carnival
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