Limbo

Dante had hell’s circles

And heaven’s close behind

To visit vice and virtue

And immortals there to find.

The first place he swept through

Lingers in my mind,

Full of philosophes and friends–

Companions refined.

Limbo

The first circle of hell

Limbo

Grey grips those who dwell

Limbo

Closing in just like a cell

Limbo

Sickly silhouettes swell

Limbo

How I know it well

What have I done to bring

Myself to suffering and shame?

Not steal nor kill nor instigate

A crime to someone frame

Nothing at all of interest,

But I must disclaim:

No crime did I commit

But to change my name. 

Limbo

The first circle below

Limbo

Watch the icy shadows blow

Limbo

Where no one my pain can know

Limbo

Discomforts ever grow 

Limbo

For I let my treason show

My name, my name,

What is in my name

That damns me and my soul

Forever to be maimed?

Why must I, frail, flail?

Why can’t things just be the same?

The person who I was before—

What of them became?

My personhood, identity

All wrapped up in my name. 

Limbo

The first circle of the abyss 

Limbo

Where my soul’s dismissed

Limbo

Irrational, remiss

Limbo

With that demented kiss

Limbo

Am I cut down to this?