Aeneid Book 6: The Descent into the Underworld
by Virgil
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The Sibyl began to speak to Aeneas:
“God-blooded Trojan, son of Anchises,
descending into the Underworld’s easy
since Death’s dark door stands eternally unbarred.
But to retrace one’s steps and return to the surface:
that’s the conundrum, that’s the catch!
Godsons have done it, the chosen few
whom welcoming Jupiter favored
and whose virtue merited heaven.
However, even the Blessed find headway’s hard:
immense woods barricade boggy bottomland
where the Cocytus glides with its dark coils.
But if you insist on ferrying the Styx twice
and twice traversing Tartarus,
if Love demands you indulge in such madness,
listen closely to how you must proceed...”
Keywords/Tags: Virgil, Aeneid, descent, underworld, Aeneas, death, door, Jupiter, heaven, woods, Cocytus, River Styx, Stygian, Hades, Tartarus, voyage, journey, love, madness, god, gods
. . . and with a haughty drink
of Virgil’s water
from the River Lethe
I venture forth knowing nothing
bring on the steps ahead
and what awaits . . .
but the waters have a taste
and some things feel familiar
a few of the steps ahead
look like my footprints
turning to a river
I feel I once chanced upon
and sensing
I am but circles within circles
Virgil the virgin was eagerly urging
his girlfriend to make him a man
Had nowhere private to go get excited
so he bought an old caravan
The seller in Dover said it’s been checked over
it’s actually ready to take
He took his word for it as soon as he saw it
so he didn’t check the handbrake
Parked up on a hill, played safe, took a pill
He’s sure she’ll succumb to his begs
But he wasn’t able to make the van stable
He forgot to wind down the legs
But soon getting fruity with his little cutie
The van was rock rocking all day
She cried out for more then they fell to the floor
And the van began rolling away
Sped up as it rolled down a hill that was holed
And each pothole made his girl Yelp
She clearly approved and cried out ‘The earth moved
Those little blue pills really help’
But at the cliff top the van didn’t stop
And she snuggled into him sighing
He gave her a kiss and said ‘I’ll tell you this
Baby I feel like I’m flying’
From the dark cave where death did grip,
Rise to new life the deathless one;
O Christ did brave that unknown trip,
Meek men can strive as grace floods sun.
Love is first cause to set man free,
Etch a fond hope as faith greets quest;
Now live true course with grace you see,
Truth sculpts the scope of fragrant zest.
Sense a deep poise of profound change,
End as love starts to show the way;
Ask to know choice in mellow range,
Start with clear heart to live fine play;
Opt thus to feel true soul in-sync,
Note happy days that fashion cheer.
Touch can then heal where goodwill links,
Old ancients ways purged without fear.
Embrace warm grace with beauty bright,
Align your soul with true grandeur;
Succeed fine face to glimpse new light,
Trust love one whole to cast splendour;
Each moment here shapes history,
Rich beyond form the rainbow path.
Vouch wonder's cheer with grand plenty,
Ink brand new norms with awesome stuff;
Reap what you sow in light that shines,
Give and take joy in sacred moves;
Indulge wise show of insight fine,
Lasting love toys in mystic grooves.
Leon Enriquez
01 April 2018
Singapore
I was their Virgil
He told me
Not that the Farm
Was a pit
But how much more hellish
Could life be
Than right after
Loosing
Your oldest child
To the disease called
Addiction
I tried to offer
Every comfort
Every respect
Every word of wisdom
In my repertoire
And when they needed space
To cry
Breathe
Be
I backed off
I literally guided them
Around campus
I put myself
As gate-keeper
Between them
And the community
Extending condolences
Sharing memories
So many people
Me, trying to keep
From letting them be
Even more
Overwhelmed
They were
So full of questions
I tried to answer
Everyone
And so he dubbed me
Virgil
Dante’s guide through hell
Virgil the Vegan Eats Out
By Elton Camp
When to a café Virgil did go
Any type meat was a no-no
Even milk he would eschew
Cheese and butter were too
“My meals I require to be
Totally made cruelty-free.”
Although Virgil never knew
That veggies have feelings too
Beans scream when he comes near
Tomatoes and squash also fear
One chef got orders mixed up
In an outage, Virgil did gulp
He yelled, in a voice firm and clear
“Get that flesh away from here!”
The bikies are in town today
Least they're trying to make us think so
I know different
Thunderbirds, they really are
FAB Virgil
I heard someone say
Lady Penelope sits astride a 97 Bonneville
I'd know that hairstyle anywhere
Thunderbird 1 cloaked as a Norton Commando
Thunderbirds 3 and 4
Triumphs the both of them
International rescue comes to town
Something big is going down
Must be
I spied Thunderbird 2
Parked outside the TAB
Stopped and asked Virgil
For an autograph
Told him I liked his Hells Angels costume
And asked if he and Lady P
Were off to a costume party
Then he showed me
The special markings on his arms
Proof he was from International Rescue
And suggested I leave quickly
Clearly something big going down
International Rescue come to town
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