Back to Issue 5

Regrettable Death by Monty James Corbett

As we parted ways I felt afraid
I became colder as she disappeared from sight
The eternal footman came to collect his fare
For I am hollow, as are his passengers
Purgatoric Limbo.
I cannot cross the Styx whilst leaving her behind
One dollar did I but give him
The other captive in my ironclad fist
Unrelenting bones fused to meaty flesh
I do not board.
His boat fills with souls who await a fate
Will they reach Hades or that shimmering gate
I am a visitor in my own skin
Choosing unknown destinations, my feet cementing
I must turn back!
What will Thou say to her, he asks as I turn
The silver in my hand sweats my skin
I grip tighter and steadfastly mark myself
A lone wayfaring soul, a child with no home
Where do I go?
He flips me my wage, my paycheck of death
Two pieces of silver now in my hand
They glisten like her eyes, tranquil in blue
He understands my mission and now alone
I walk toward darkness.
His rudder makes haste to the immortal beyond
I see the churn of the oars ripple to nothing
I stare at my coins alone by the shore
And toss them into the pool of burning waters
I seek her face.
Persephonic reminders, do I stay or flee
Amongst the dying recesses of my heart
Earth can be more cruel than Hell's worst toils
When I cannot profess to her my love
Will I ever speak?
I stand upon the shoreline of Hell and weep
I denied myself the glory of Heaven to see
My life beside my love with unceasing affections
But she will never know that I feel this way
I weep for tomorrow!