The wilting mortal drew close

to the soaring sanctuary that pulsed

among the infinite stars.

Youthful and cheerful,

the soul once swam with joy,

graceful and full of life.

Then, worn and torn, and sombrous,

the soul bathed in tears in oblivion,

scarred and chained at death’s door.

The wind howled,

the angels cried.

Voices from the darkness thundered,

the beast called.

A sea of hands rose from the black river.

They clamped and pulled the lifeless soul

to the gloomy horizon.