The Self Slain

On the dim passage shared and shared alone
There march the fearful and brave
To the silent memorial stone
We call Most Desired a Grave.

"Fear" is the name of that causeway
And "Bravery" the name of the thrones
Whose crowns are jeweled by Judgment Days
Whose Lords sing rest to our bones.

Here fell winter is ever present,
A breathless chill from out the sky
Where the moon--locked in her crescent--
Bids welcome they who die.

One more breath weighted falters,
One more loss we swore we might save
That shift the flames of the altars
Where the desperate pray to the grave.

Sing these souls, "We don't belong"
From frail hearts long o'erthrown.
Alas! Ever and anon so tragic a song
Lines the letters of memorial stone,

For the shadows eternal lie
And that winter dawns anon
For a coin to each marble eye--
The frost where voids of sorrow yawn.

So we walk this path of shades
Where the trees weep a circle of tearful Hell,
And the low grass--dying emerald blades
Breathes a swift farewell.