Eclipse of the Soul

Eclipse of the Soul

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?)

Original Poetry