Sleep divine, an endless shroud bestowed
By silver goddess vow, young Endymion bound 
In flawless pause where mortal moments slowed, 
A fragrant bloom untouched by time’s cruel wound.

Perfection forged in shadowed, starless plight, 
The price inscribed when constellations dim, 
For youth congealed in frozen lunar light 
Bears silence vast, a stolen breath grown grim.

Awake no more to dawn’s insistent flame, 
No heart’s swift leap beyond this velvet tomb; 
Though beauty holds within its timeless frame, 
Draining all vigor, smothering life’s red bloom.

The costly hush through which his soul suspends: 
A gift and curse entwined where breathing ends.

[Murray Eiland is a poet and archaeologist. He particularly enjoys exploring mythological themes and how they are understood today.]