TO A LOST LOVE - An Homage to E.A.P.

Desolate the path which I have trod, driven by some dark and pagan god-
Whose primeval powers have the ravages of grief-stained time withstood.
Steep and twisting was the path, with whispered secrets and guttering laugh-
Driving me on, and ever deeper, into the sable-shadowed wood.
 
Where close-cloaked demon memories lurk- glittering eye and sharp-toothed smirk-
Where lambent light of ancient moon is raked by gnarled and twisted branch.
And keening zephyr's ululation gives susurrus voice'd imitation
Of some faint, echoed, lamentation of half-remembered eldritch chants.
 
The grim wood now, ever closer, presses- tormenting my mind with dark distresses-
Of half-formed phantasmal fears and dimly remembered memories.
And my sodden soul is filled with dread - knowing now from whence 'twas led-
To where a solemn clearing stands- close-guarded by spare and spectral trees.
 
And at its center the crumbling bulk of some moss-encrusted catafalque-
Stands silent and all uncaring of the portent it possesses.
For recumbent, in mute and eternal repose, the callous starlight does disclose -
The shrouded form of that lost love whose memory still my soul oppresses.
 
And staring then my eyes discern the stately dance of conquering worm-
Beneath those once-pure cerements putrid time despoils.
And from those blank, beloved eyes- a ghostly light seems to arise -  
And from those callow, pallid, beams my soul, in horror, recoils.
 
The moon and stars are all burned out- and cloistering darkness gathers all about-
And all, save that grim and ancient stone, is swallowed up in doleful mist.
And falling then upon my ear a long-stilled voice I seem to hear,
Like faintest music murmuring, from those pale lips which once I kissed.
 
"Come, let your arms once more me enfold, for the night is long and dark and cold -  
And the lonely hours go by untold- and still I cannot rest.
Embrace me close and warm my chill and spark the heart which lies so still
once more with passion. Let it wake and beat within my breast."
 
And so, before my stricken eyes, that sweet, silent form seems to arise-
And reaches pale arms out to me in silent supplication.  
And as my soul gives out a keening groan, with faltering step I approach the stone-
And drawing there, into my arms, both my curse and my salvation.
 
And so I lay me down beside- and on the bed of stone two now reside.
Close-embraced we now abide upon the stygian shore.
Lost between the glorious heights eternal and the fearful depths infernal-
Together - to be parted - nevermore.