So close to Heaven,
so far from God
The gate still locked
—the devil nods

A soul once bartered,
forever sold
Its mine shaft empty
—mirage of gold

All reasons barren,
the empty fields
The seasons wanton
—bereft to yield

So close to Heaven,
so far from God
Redemption fleeting
—as hell applauds

(Dreamsleep: May, 2022)