Yet So Far...

So close to Heaven,

so far from God

The gate still locked

—the devil nods

A soul once bartered,

forever sold

Its mine shaft empty

—mirage of gold

All reasons barren,

the empty fields

The seasons wanton

—bereft to yield

So close to Heaven,

so far from God

Redemption fleeting

—as hell applauds

(Dreamsleep: May, 2022)