how long
did they expect
poor hades
to sit
surrounded
by the dead
cheated
by his brothers
that ravaged
the skies and seas
with wanton
lust and greed

there is
a solemn insanity
in the absolutes
absolute zero
causes atoms
to sit
at their lowest
energy value
absolute silence
causes a mind
to shatter
into infinite
scenarios
impossibilities
more real
than reality itself

the mad king
on his
throne of desolation
half the year
spent smothered
by the silence
unable to embrace
his other half
as orpheus,
the bard, plucks
at the lyre
in sorrow laden notes
that ring
through the empty halls
at the edge
of asphodel