The second part, which is as far as I got, of my poem, ‘the Temple of Despair.’ I am pursuing other poetry projects now and, honestly, I’m not too sure where this one was going.

Awaking from a Merciful Slumber

I awake from the drowsy depths of sleep,

and what lady of wonder stands by me?

Why does she bow her head and seem to weep–

wait– that lyre, Muse, could it be, is it you?

O Muse, sacred Muse, I had a dream most

hideous! Despair accosted and mocked me,

and told me I was portioned with the lost,

and kissed me on the lips with her foul mouth.

Why have you been crying, Muse, tears for me?

What troubles the merriment of your music?

I’m well seeing you, and would we were free

in that land where flow the nectarious streams.

I should unburden my heart to your playing,

and you’d teach me all the right words next time!

But we’re to tarry? Tell, sweet Muse, what’s weighing

upon your heart? I’d hear your words instead.

Dear, I’m afraid to say it was no dream

nor hallucination you experienced,

but it was Despair and her very theme,

she’s known to visit those who’ve tasted love.

I weep because you must go to her house

if you are to be cured of that infection

Love gave you, and which your mind would arouse

venturing where it was not seasoned to go.

I weep chiefly for fear that you’re not firm

enough for the challenge that lies ahead,

if madness becomes your permanent norm,

it’s been a danger, but attend me now:

You must brave Despair in her night-drenched temple,

wield the torch of truth in that weary cave,

its bright blaze is the triumph that will trample

the ugly shades of her Cimmerian nest.

Those that infect you the most must be vanquished

first, for a little darkness will not yield

until from great darkness you are relinquished,

the great is grosser, the little is firmer.

Dear, I know not everything you must face,

but you must tread with assurance within

the dark rooms of that soul-afflicting place

if you’re to finally banish those shades.

It’s sounds too dangerous, you must come with me!

My sin alone is too much weight to take,

so how can I triumph, how can I free

my soul from the bondage of heavy darkness?

You can’t triumph alone, that much is true

I will lead you there, you need my sweet tune;

but if Despair’s to be conquered by you

then you must yield your heart to holy grace

If not by faith I know no other way,

My dear I will be with you, but you must

discern your heart, sit and learn how to pray

and you’ll be the conqueror of the dark.

I am not ready Muse… but I will follow,

the path awaits and it would be worn now,

it’s no use to give the task to tomorrow,

I’ll follow, I’ll follow, let us go forth.