The Preparer

Direct the bearer to lay the body out on the cold stone table, facing toward heaven. Unwrap the white cloth from the body. Fold it three times and set it aside; it will later be burned. Begin by drawing the palms across the exposed skin, as though smoothing cloth, in this order:

Chest. Arms. Legs. Neck. Face.

From the work table, gather knife, scraper, bone needle, cotton, and the crockeries; one for honey, one for oil, one for herbs. Place them at the head of the body. Open the box of paper packets, but do not place the packets on the table.

The body.
Shave the body using the knife. Pile the hair atop the white cloth; it, too, will be burned. Rinse the blade.

The eyes.
The eyes are to be sewn shut using the bone needle. It is delicate and sharp and caution must be exercised. Each eye should be secured with no more than eight stitches, no less than six. Trim the stitching cord and leave the knots tight.

The ears.
A bee is drawn on one of the paper packets in the box. Open the packet and remove two dried bees. Place one in each ear. Tear two small swatches of cotton and dip them in the crockery of honey. Place these in the ear. This will secure the bees.

The nose.
A stone is drawn on one of the packets in the box. Open the packet and remove two small stones. Warm them in your mouth, then gently roll one into each nostril.

The mouth.
An onion flower is drawn on one of the large paper packets. Open the packet and tilt over the open mouth. Fill the mouth with dried blossoms. Wipe the lips with a wet cloth. Close the mouth with a single stitch in the center of the lips.

The torso.
Draw a line with the knife through the flesh from the bottom of the breast bone to the top of the pubis. Remove entrails and organs. They must be wrapped in paper and buried in the ground; each organ must be buried separately. Scrape the inside of the body. The flesh inside must be free of impurities, and smooth. Rub the oil into the cavity, follow with the herbs. Fill the remaining space with clean cotton. Stitch the torso closed.

The genitals.
In both men and women, the genitals are to be cleaned with water, but otherwise untouched.

Want to write like this? Check out our writing prompt here.