The Wastelands of Shibboleth

 

Foundation of the piece:

Does devotion and an otherworldly melancholy—but not despair—still exist beyond all we know?

And the does the power of love and memory, even when flesh fades. Even though simultaneously mournful and hopeful:

Inspire those we love who watch and hopefully wait?

What do you think?

Title:

The Wastelands of Shibboleth. 

(A lone voice whispers)

These nights are so long 

Now that I've crossed this dark sea with the child of Erebus

Singing the Coming Home Song

"I'm bringing them home Your Honor. For in life

They can go no further 

So we're all coming home to you

Our spirits, father, to a land undreamed of”

But I sometimes wonder, do you still miss me

My only love

As I stand beyond the third rock 

Now that I'm pain-free

For I'll still love you as long as the Hurrian Hymn is played 

Even as long as heartfelt prayers are made

To the peaks of the highest snow-covered mountains 

And into the deep depths of Agartha hidden fountains

My soul may be unreachable

And out of sight every night

Brought about by our Lord and Grace

But always remember I'm here

Just waiting in a pristine white room in a unique place

Where through my obsidian scrying glass

I can still see your beautiful face

By sun and moon, rain or shine

Fire or candlelight

To love you is all I now have 

To carry me through these endless nights

In these Barren Lands

To remind me, you were once mine, even though I've taken my last breath

When Death Messenger Charon called

I'll still love you through all the tragedies

As Thane of Glamis loved his Lady Macbeth 

For sometimes faith in love is all you can use

When you have nothing left to lose

So when God made me take my last breath

With a wave of his hand, like Nero of Rome

So I can hear the child of Erebus

Singing the Coming Home Song

I made his messenger Titan promise

That I'l see you better than ever, even after death 

When you too join me here in Shibboleth

The Wastelands 

Filled with those no longer wearing flesh 

(C) Copyright John Duffy

Image shared under fair usage policy.