Key Holder

News reaches us of the passing
Of Maridjan, the Key Holder

Spiritual Caretaker
Of Mount Merapi on the Ring of Fire

For 33 years he had spoken
To the unpredictable spirits

Offering them appeasements
Of rice, clothing, and chicken

This year, he predicted
The volcanic eruption

But did not heed the warning
“My time to die in this place has almost come.”

He was found prostrated in prayer
Covered in heavy white soot

“Who’s going to tell us now
what’s going on with Merapi?”


Source: AP http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hG9iJBvJ_RKIqlO3XOD7i-bBZcYA?docId=d794add265e44e11b32a5f31482229b3