The shimmering carpet
was rolled out for them –
up to the sparkling gates
which swung slowly open…

And the first crowd was summoned
of those who murdered love
by installments

And the second crowd drew near
of those who shattered innocence
with a well-placed blow

And the last crowd stood waiting
of those who suffocated hope
with reason and rules….

And they all were shown
what they rejected
what they lost
what they ruined –

And they could neither blink
nor cry –
realizing slowly
what
Hell was.