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Apparition After Teresita Castillo There is a vine in the garden of Our Lord where no vine should be. It awaits you, young and virginal, its tendril thick like an oiled snake beckoning. Come closer. Listen for the voice. Kneel to behold it in your ear saying, Child, do not be afraid, kiss the ground. Do whatever I say. Above you, there is a light in the shape of a woman you almost recognize, her neck slightly bent as the smell of roses penetrates your nostrils, telling you to take a bite of grass. Fill your mouth with dark wet compost, feel the dead ants sweet on your tongue. Do not spit them out. Keep listening. Ask, beautiful lady, who are you? Through lips unmoving and eyes
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