Threnody of a Bereft Friend

Here cries a young woman who recently lost her friend. She was angry with her friend; she scolded her rage, her rage did end. A voice from the dead said: ‘‘Friend! I know what I did was a great mess; I’m sorry –and to be honest, I wouldn’t ask for your pardon unless I was at peace. Where I are it is evermore burning and there’s no getting old; Yet there’s only a way in and no way out; no food, no water, nor feeling bold – Apart from that though, I know that my death had put you through a lot of pain, But there’s definitely no need to cry; I won’t return, for there’s no dying again. Now listen: ‘til the sun sheds its tears, just keep on singing our favourate song; And at any rate, the lamentation shan’t recur; yet the song will keep you strong.’’