Zathiel –A Fragment
My heart was gentle as a dove
my pale wings formed from cloud,
my robes were made of cloth of gold
And yet I was not proud.
For God had formed my character
and sealed it with his charms,
forsooth I was a holy thing
to keep man’s soul from harm.
‘But each man kills the thing he loves’
and thus with angels too,
for yet I loved my sacred charge
I turned my face from truth.
To sport amongst the forest glades
I thought could do no ill,
in ignorance I sweetly played
and feared not man’s cruel will.
O self annihilation,
the murder of God’s hope,
my child had faltered in his faith
and thus the Devil spoke.
To tempt his heart to wickedness,
to lead him from the path,
to woo his soul from righteousness
and wake God’s mighty wrath.
I was not there to save him,
my sword slept unaware,
the folly of my cruel neglect
is more than I can bear.
I found him torn and broken,
the tears still lined his face.
I wrapped him in my bloodied arms
and railed against my fate.
I stood before the gates of Hell
and raged against its might.
I bade them give me back his soul
else Lucifer I’d fight.
The fallen one but laughed in scorn
and mocked my hollow threats,
I could not change the laws of God.
my fury came too late.
And then the curse upon me fell
I reeled from its attack.
my golden locks were tinted grey,
my wings transformed to black.
For God could not forgive me,
he clothed me in my sin.
no more the guardian of the man,
I craved the blood within.
A hateful thing had I become,
a monster steeped in lust.
the very touch of golden sun
might charge my flesh to dust.
Yet still I held my memories,
recalled what I had been,
though all I kissed with evil bliss
were revenants obscene.
Alone I bear my anguish,
my bitter tears run red,
my only consolation
the dying and the dead.
For the justice of God’s punishment
I may not understand.
How can I plead for pity when
I know that I am damned.
Condemned for all eternity,
no hope for peace I’ll find,
till one will weep for Zathiel
the darkest of his kind.
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