we’ve started down
the lower path––
the lower way
into the dark––
down down
into the hell of privation,
war & hate
in the thrall
of the wrathful demon
with the broken heart
all of us
& our planet
may be
lost
can we still remember
the starlight &
the sun?
& the faces of our
happy children
which is the face
of God?
like pirates fleeing
from a sinking ship––
it’s time to let
the stolen treasure
sink
& the ego
drown
the downward ramp
to hades
also serves as
the upward stairway
to the light
we have euridice to counsel us
& lead us
to the sky
& when we emerge into day
we will be astonished
with wings
for we are not less
than angels in our
possible hearts––
& our possible earth
is not less than
paradise