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I see in dreams The Dames of Affliction

The powers of suffering through great addiction

Like spokes on a mill they grind and revolve

Tearing children from mothers slain to the sword

The dames are three: Tears, Sighs and Darkness

Whose kingdoms dwell and griefs incarnate

In the heart of man where silence reigns

Speak not in words but signs to the brain

They wheel in mazes – I trace their steps

Conspire through mirrors I read from depths

The Tears break hands that guide us blind beggars

The Sighs taunt hopeless in dungeons of terror

And Darkness, her kingdom, a narrow confine

Funnels the temptress of suicide

And through my dreams the Tears cry

Seasons me for her sister of Sighs

Who weathers my carcass to sister of Darkness

Banishing my spirit of catharsis