By Moon And Star

Fifteen times the leaves had shorn,

Trod by boy and beast

Kith and kin to fare him well

The youngling parted east



The rite was whet and worn with time,

As sons dared risk unseen

Mere passage had convinced the herd

And none defied routine



Eyes, fixed afar - a trial to come

Now, his suffering - only begun



He journeyed deep into the woods,

And took no drink or food

Desperate to become a man,

'Fore stupor choked his mood



Carrion gloated at each step,

In dreams the evil milled

Doubting every sickened thought

Depraved against his will



Eyes, turn inwards - observe with hate

Now, this suffering - will not abate



Growing weakness in his gait

He slumped beneath the sun

Each bleeding foot began to weep

Skin and bone was one



Rousing with a fitful gasp

He crawled on tattered knees

And bound for home by moon and star

His trial was complete



Staggers carried him to town

His joy was soon to shed

Kith and kin would greet him not

For each one was dead



The sixteenth leaves began to fall

Indifferent, they withstood

Now, a man with nothing left

He turned back for the woods