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Burnt out shells house tired soldiers locked in tin cans and barrels
aboard the sinking wreck of the Arm of Man
The seas toss back and forth images of a stormy sky as waves smash wood
into splinters and decide the length of time we rest in water
I love to negotiate the silence in between thunder, commenting on the
wavelength and pitch of the deadly action
Dissipated it is a slight shock that I do not fear but welcome amidst the
cold and harsh seas grinding into my heart and lungs.
Grullion floats behind me hidden in blue and dark masses he looks over
with half dead eyes that I suspect to be a trick of death and part life
The deadman rows hard to meet us, his ship not moving from the direct line
he draws on us.
His hands are made of bone and wrap round my hand and soul as one
He draws me into the boat and the cold ebbs from my skin
I am filled with warmth again as we sail out of the churning storm and
into calm waters
A beach lies ahead and shines like a diamond rock in the ocean
We enter an inlet in the island, I see monkeys and parrots dancing in the
gentle breeze
The island soon passes as we head under rocks and the water turns dark
We are in an enormous cavern, too big for the small island to hold.
The gates lie beyond, terror has stricken my heart and cask me a fool
I took the hand of cowardice and in my compulsion have been drawn to hell.
My head spins and I feel like I will die, though I know I cannot commit my
crime a second
As the gates open I gaze into the mouth of Hell, I am welcome to the ring
of traitors and cowards.
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