Sacrifice

On the altar

lies her sacrifice

with the recall

that she has not been kind

to her instincts

but smothered them

with the will of a stranger

who called her friend

as if covering her body

with a warm comforter

in winter.

Yet seasons change

and hot coals burn

from an offering

so she withdraws her strength,

leaving nothing

at the altar.

(c)--Christina Cowling