O Dionysos who grew to manhood
in Arabian Nysa, land of a thousand spices,
I pray that you accept this incense I am offering,
and hope that its exotic scent is pleasing
to you as you are pleasing to me, God who
desires to be worshiped through the senses,
and grants sweet intoxication which releases
us from all of life’s troubles and hindrances.
As this aromatic smoke swirls and dances
around your shrine, let all other thoughts fade away,
unlocking a flood of memories of past rites
performed, and past encounters with you,
surge forth overwhelming my mind,
so that I am in the right state
to make the rest of the offerings
I have gathered for you today.