Myth, par excellence.

Myth, par excellence.

Our intention is to gather

some suitably approved historians;

direct them to collect the stories,

interrogate the documents,

and compile them into a seamless narrative

(We will, of course,

be downplaying the embarrassing bits

and other parts that might discomfort us.)

Thus we shall create for ourselves a History

that we can be proud of.

With some further prodding and kneading,

some teasing-out and coaxing,

and with suitable invocations of the Divine,

we shall recite our story and rehearse it

until it solidifies into a Myth.

A real one, grand and inviolate,

upon which we can build

our tribe / religion / nation.

In ancient Israel,

a remembering meal

is appointed, prepared

and written into law.

This annual repast,

laden with food and symbol,

commemorates a journey

to freedom and nationhood;

one which is tragically interleaved

with dying and grief.

A Passover meal,

to celebrate a divine passing over;

salvation and life for the chosen ones.

For others, sorrow, bitterness

and death.

But that’s okay,

we will cope;

as long as nobody questions

the Myth.

© Ken Rookes 2014