The Shores of Oblivion

I looked out at the emptiness of space,

Haunted by the vision of a face

Remembered in the reaches of the soul

And heard far-off the bells of mercy toll

As I walked upon the shores of oblivion.

I saw the dying year, petal fall

And leaf fall and heard the wild drake's call,

Knew loneliness so deep within me well

As I gazed and faced the vastitude of hell

And I stood upon the shores of oblivion.

I felt the waves lapping at my feet

And in the distance sailing Death's grey fleet

Carried souls into the unlit spheres

And wasting on the sands my useless tears

Stared at an ocean of oblivion.

When nothing can be seen but darkness' face

And we unable to accept the Grace

That marshals hosts of seraphim to heal

The shattered heart when sombre shadows steal

Across the empty straits of oblivion.

Yet ever thy smile uplifts, I shall not drown

Though a thousand siren voices call me down

To icy depths where darker angels weep

And beckon the spirit to forgetful sleep

Beneath the silent shores of oblivion.

O soul do not accept the easy death,

Fight on alone with every pain-seared breath,

Unfathomed are the seas of ignorance,

Press on, assume the spirit's highest stance

And sail beyond the shores of oblivion.