Postcard #4 from a blue planet

In Pejeng
east of Ubud
they have a drum
of ancient bronze
so huge
it’s called “the Moon”.

Older than Christ
it also
fell from heaven.

When it is struck
the very earth
vibrates in sympathy
a sound
so primitive
ancient
primal.

Before Adam
before the Word
there must have been
the sound the Moon makes.

It throbs
fills every orifice
every pore
embracing soul
you resonate
like some hollow shell
your blood
collects
in loins
half swollen.

As a way of greeting
God
it somehow seems
more civilized
than hanging men
on crosses.