I cannot cross here to the shore
I’ve lingered thus so long before
In dreams in nightmares and in life
I’ve felt the whip, the lash, the knife
I know these waters run aground
I know the promise they surround
The hope and dreams of all who come
And how the weaving comes unspun
Like cats we counted one to nine
The lives that slither up our spine
I know his face though lost in shroud
I saw him in the thunder’s cloud
This Charon waits for every man
We plot, we hope, we dream, we plan
But cross this river only he
Can give you passage, bound or fee
I know this river, know it well
The waters lead to peace or hell
You’ll pay the price, you always do
I’d do the same if I were you
The cycle turning in the gyre
Means ‘neath the waters breeds a fire
I’ve reached the end, the number nine
Found nothing here that is divine
Oh Charon, wearied of your course
Prefer you land, a road, a horse
A chariot to bear us through
Would these make sympathy of you?
We’re trapped to cross this darkened pass
Each time no different from the last
But nothing will you here allow
Expressionless beneath your brow
Oh Charon if you had a choice
What other options could you voice?
Oh Charon carry us across
Another life, another loss
Another life, another loss
(c) Helen Valentina 2014, All Rights Reserved
I enjoyed the imagery in your poem, thank you π
Thanks so much!! π π
Ah, shucks, it’s not about one of Pluto’s moons. But worth reading anyway. π
LOL, thanks!! π
Such balance in pace and the imagery is amazing.
Thanks so much, that is so kind! π π
An epic piece Helen – nice work.
Thanks so much!! π
Excellent poem … I have once written on Persephone, Demeter and Hades… The background of the myth is related to Charon as part of it happens in The Underworld .
But there is also a specific post on Charon and I will add the link for you to take a peek. All the best!, Aquileana π
http://wp.me/p60vo-3f1
Thanks so much!! π π
This is a masterpiece Helen I just love the way it moves, the imagery! I have quite the fascination for Charon and the river Styx myself
Thank you so much!! π π