Narcosis
Downwards, ever downwards finning
Down into the watery world
Down towards narcosis frontiers
Where the mind meets Morpheus furls
Coral, kelp with colours fading
Sombre hues predominate
Asthmatic breathing turns metallic
At a hundred's water weight
Past the silhouetted seaweed
There before a yawning cave
Stands a shadowy figure beckoning
Stands before a shallow grave
From the cave is heard a chanting
Then an organ's mournful dirge
Swelling to a glorious anthem
Stills all but the ocean's surge
On the gravestone is a warning
Warning those who plumb the deep
Not to cross the rapturous frontier
Not to chance eternal sleep
Slowly upwards. Near the surface
Sunbeams sparkle in their play
Burning bright each sombre colour
Fading rapturous dreams away
© 1998 Chris Hill