Descent

These things I attach, end-to-end
Crafted by my own hand.
I think only this will remain after I have gone
And even this disintegrates.
I must collect what lasts for now.
It is as if I pull magic trick handkerchiefs from my womb--
Even these pretty poses fade, and bright pictures rot.

I tried to bargain with the old Greek lady
But she said no.
I said: "You loved a man once, too."
And her eyes were knowing,
And I saw in her eyes the portrait of her young face.
And now I must bargain with dogs who live in the darkness
I must walk down alone, again, and deliver my missive in the room just before the room where they weigh hearts,
Where they say
"This one was good" and
"This one tried...but not enough."

I know better than to reason with Death.
Anubis, you are guardian of the in-between place.
Do not take her.
I walk into the Other Place to take you back.
Reason will not stay you, so action must.
You belong in the world above.
You are still needed.
I will crack the walls of this necropolis for love.
10/14/11