While falling down this dark hole I stopped screaming and began to wonder As dreams and memories became the same, As voices soothed me from far away Asking if I was really awake, Was this pit reality?
A woman's voice so comforting, Like cool ocean breeze providing certainty, Washing over me in the dark Is this memory? Kindness drifting like fall leaves, Gentle rains soaking parched feet, Giving relief where I didn't know I need.
Falling erases memories It scrubs clean the warmth Leaving cracks that bleed I've gone so far the ether speaks to me Bringing me a cool sip of relief Wet my aching throat So my voice doesn't join the myriads of misery
The Ancients knew, Tartarus was at our feet The rivers of mortal life passing by without ease Our shadows pulling another way Bent on knees before the stars, Asking for reprieve.
Hell isn't fire and brimstone It's life unbelieved.