In the Absence of Light - Obsequiae

Resonant strings of devotion

By which all life is allured

Echoed the crests of the Tracian ocean

To the forests where they were procured

Carried through the oaken woods

And by Eurydice was admired

She came to him in her supple grace

And was all that he desired

No sooner than their love was bound

And their vows were solemnly spoken

The young bride struck by a serpent

And Orpheus' heart was broken

Burdened by grief, he appealed with song

To the gods who rule the dark and silent world

He struck his lyre and they were charmed to stillness

As the passion in his strings unfurled

Ixion’s wheel was motionless

As the underworld was met with tears

«The debt of life was paid too soon

Let me have her the rest of my years»

«You may have her but you must not look upon her until you’ve passed through

this realm»

They journeyed back through the worlds

At first light Orpheus rejoiced

He turned back to catch his love

In the moment she was destroyed

For the rest of his life in the absence of light

Every shadow held a phantom

His songs were played with mournful wishes

And a hope the fates might grant them