The barque embarked upon its course.
Across the waters it had set forth.
From depths it rises and to depths departs.
It blazed across the western arc.

When it began its night descent,
into caverns beneath it went.
Through gates and beasts of hidden lore,
until it reached Osiris’ shore.

And there, enshrouded with deep secrecy,
was again initiated into the mystery
of rebirth forever born within:
that life from death shines forth again.

With fruits planted on that chthonic shore,
unraveled in endless layers more.
With a single bite from that secret tree,
the pearled onion of Eleusinian mystery.

[David Hershhorn (he/him) is an Ohio poet drawn to unsettling verse as well as editor for the forthcoming horror poetry journal Fear in Dust. David holds a Bachelor of Arts from The College of Wooster in Philosophy where he was awarded the John F. Miller prize. When not reading or writing, David enjoys boardgames, playing the baroque flute, and listening to music. You can read more about David at www.davidhershhorn.com.]