A golden glare lit up his share
Of his new once-forgotten world
Is there something there? Don't you stare
At the crater formed of fire's hold.
His life leapt death and dared to dare
Another year; thirteen point five
They're hand in hand, a balanced pair
Born of lonely lips, "I'm alive."
You can't be, he thought. Everywhere
I look, you've been — by death — a-took.
"For forever, here, where, and there,
"I'll reap my reward, by that book.
"I have something to lose," said he.
Smiled for it — and his sweet release.
"For forever, now, soon, and then:"
And dusk came upon them again.
Gone was his sunrise; gone, his dawn.
Stayed, the magic that held him long.
“I'll reap my reward, by good God;
“By my own whole soul. By that Book.”
Crook
