Subterranean Rites

The despised elements of society meet in catacombs Shrouded in robes, sworn to secrecy Worshipping dark gods from the faraway East Dead Christians look on as they perform evil rites Praying to idols long thought forgotten But that survive They are the vile black blood of Rome Bringing disease, bringing death Laying curses on the heads of citizens Unsuspecting, who walk above them They make carvings in torchlight Spitting on the image of Christ Hoping that when darkness comes They’ll be chosen to lead Like shepherds with human flocks Devoted to the dark ways Murdering in the night Torturing in secret Begging salvation from plague-ridden deities Who redeem them