***

I saw the darkness, I saw smoke,

Gray ships and mournful vaults.

The burning shore, the silent folk,

Wave fever in the waltz.

The eyes of dead shine in the foam,

The paddle hits the dunes.

The blind Charon is bringing home

The groans of doomed forms.

I heard a cry, I heard a plea,

Sad sigh in crystal tears.

The fate of each, this endless play,

Price of the coin fears.

I saw the darkness, I saw smoke,

Rib nets and flame behind.

I writhed, trembling on the rocks

Or I swam slowly dying.