The Meander

A Poem by guv

a poem describing my idea of the underworld, using symbols from islam, christanity, ancient greek and others

The river, lit by candles
So dim that the water can barely be seen,
The soldier on his pale horse stares at anyone
Who goes past,
The cloaked man, asking for a coin
Will leave you behind, and force you
To navigate the nine river tour, yourself.

Known as the sordid god,
The guide spews your hidden fears
In the form of insults,
The soldier draws his sword,
The leaders of this place frown at you
Underneath their green crescent moon.

The first river flows around an island of flowers
cypress’ and narcissus’ as far as you can see,
He goes by Qabil, or Cain, whatever his name
It does not matter, he is the one in the middle
Of these flowers, he Is the only one who protects
Who you were sent to see,
He was the first visitor

Now you regret don’t you,
Now you can never forget,
Now you pass out; the other eight rivers
Are mysteries;
The other eight rivers would’ve softened the blow.