Inscription Poem by Theresa Haffner

Midway in our life’s journey, I went astray
From the straight road and woke to find myself
Alone in a dark wood. How shall I say

What wood that was? I never saw so drear,
So rank, so arduous a wilderness.
Its very memory gives a shape to fear.

I am the way into the City of Woe.
I am the way to a forsaken people.
I am the way into eternal sorrow.

Sacred justice moved my architect.
I was raised by Divine Omnipotence,
Primordial love, and ultimate intellect.

Only those elements time cannot wear.
Before me and beyond time I stand.
Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

These mysteries I read cut into stone,
Above agate, and turning I said, “Master,
What is the meaning of this Inscription? ”