I feel the dark
It seeps within my bones, runs through my veins;
It is a tangible, moving thing
I know it lives
Where are the souls
That faded from my sight, that flew away?
They are invisible, moving things
I know they live
(Why can I not feel them as I feel the dark?)
I see decay
It poisons honest men, possesses minds
It is a creeping, lethal thing
I know it lives
When were the days
When gallant souls advanced and right prevailed?
Those were golden, fleeting times
I know they came
(Why may I not see them as I see decay?)
I feel despair
A monster in the dark, with glowing eyes,
It is a crouching, gleaming form
I know it lives
I have a sword
But with a broken blade and rusted hilt,
It seems a useless, ancient piece,
I doubt it cuts
(Why is my sword so weak beside the monster?)
But I must fight
Until my right arm throbs with every stroke,
Until my hand is numb and cold
Unclasped in death
To plead for grace
Although my tongue tastes naught but desert sand;
To pierce the raven-wings of night
And grasp the stars
(What blessing was e’er gained without Golgotha?)