For Inanna, Who Cannot be Contained by a Grave by Amanda Lee Morris

''Flight'' by Patricia Ballentine

Inanna, who is also called Ishtar and Astarte

Who has endless names unknown or unspoken

Who is also called Queen of Heaven and Queen of the Earth

and Mistress of All the Universe

As the evening and morning star

You shine on us as the sun is setting

Your light carries us through the night and through our darkest hours

You shine on us when the sun is rising

Your light adding to that of the day and to our brightest hours.

With a crown of stars, of gemstones, of a million leaves, petals, and horns

You rule over all the realms

And it is an honor, indeed, to be ruled by you.

You decorate your breast with stars
with lapis, agate, and pearls the color of the brightest rainbows

But it is you who give jewels and the cosmos their luster

For even naked and alone and hung up on a meat hook in the underworld

You are still the most treasured beauty of both heaven and of earth.

For ages unto ages, poets have given their words to you

But one poem is not enough

Nine prayers are not enough

50,000 words are not enough

Seven epics are not enough

To contain your glory

And so shine on, glorious Queen, mistress, and Goddess.

May your brightness never fade

And may we always appreciate the bright blessings and dark lessons you bestow upon us all.

An excerpt from Inanna's Ascent: Reclaiming Female Power.

Amanda Lee Morris is a clinical social worker, ordained minister, and initiated high priestess who lives in North Carolina where she enjoys a life full of love.