Because I am Vox Mortuum, who gathers up the winds,
who races hares with oxen,
and who swims against the flood waters…
Please — show no shock to find me stranded here
Tormented by the sins I’d done before;
Call Purgatory naught, with you so near –
Behold me now: your once-loved troubadour.
So I be damned for surfeit of desire?
What of it, then? I craved it, more than air –
To thaw thy frozen heart in carnal fire
And, phoenix-like, was proud to perish there.
Now go, my heart, and leave me to my fate,
To weep and sing on borderland of Hell.
Should Heaven query, to that Host relate –
I loved unwise, but always loved thee well.
All I could beg of thee I cherish best:
“Be mindful in due time of my distress…”
AND THE VARIANT VERSION (containing the original quote):
Please — show no shock to find me stranded here
Tormented by the sins I’d done above;
Call Purgatory naught, with you so near –
Behold me now: the lady you once loved.
So I be damned for surfeit of desire?
What of it, then? I craved it, more than air –
To thaw thy frozen heart in carnal fire
And, phoenix-like, was proud to perish there.
Now go, my heart, and leave me to my fate,
To weep and sing on borderland of Hell.
Should Heaven query, to that Host relate –
I loved unwise, but always loved thee well.
All I could beg of thee I most adore:
“Sovegna vos al temps de mon dolor…”
Copyright (C) Vox Mortuum 2012
Tags: Ever-Fixed Mark Letters, Sonnets