An Unholy Invocation

[Readers are encouraged to substitute any pronouns of their choosing.]

Burney Relief, Babylon (1800–1750 BC)

I am She who bows before none.

I am She whose claws defend the weak.

I am She whose sharpened teeth devour injustice.

I am She whose outstretched wings blot out the blinding glare of superstition.

I am She whose infernal heart melts away disdain.

I am She whose shameless flesh is subject to no one.

I am She who revels in beauty.

I am She who relishes delight.

I am She who drinks from the chalice of scorn, immune and smiling.

I am She who sunders the veil of falsity.

I am She who chooses exile over servitude.

I am She who subverts cruelty with thoughtful compassion.

I am She who protects the oppressed within Her maligned shadow.

I am She whose gaze confronts tyranny with intrepid ferocity.

I am She whose eyes see beyond doom.

I am She whose unholy core remains forever undaunted.

I am She who wanders, outcast—free as the black sky.