What is it we think lies below?
Do we imagine such things as a dark abyss?
Or the great inferno that is the underworld of Hades?
Or other fiery places such as this?
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Is it a kingdom where Lucifer rules?
A realm with fiery demons?
And what waits for those debauched spirits that enter?
No piety there, no loving grace, and all that is good, cast aside,
Leaving only the whim of the great tormenter.
Is it where wretched souls spend their time,
Beyond the brink of eternal damnation?
All spirits overtaken by terror.
All senses beyond pain and anguish, gone.
With no hope of reprieve, no chance of salvation.
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What if all this was built within.
With sin-filled hearts fully broken,
And the constant pain of a self-lit fire,
And a world that’s gone awry.
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Remedies abound to put things right.
They can be used with an inbuilt will.
Perdition awaits for those who don’t,
While never knowing why.
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What if simple traits are brought about?
Like being honest in one’s affairs,
Or showing politeness to strangers,
Or using stimulants in moderation,
Or being generally kind,
Or caring about others…
Could this be how the gates of Hell remain closed?
With such laughably modest behavioural modification.
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If one can be all of these things for most of each living day,
If this can be the natural case,
Knowing this requires more strength to build than to deny,
Then, how many really understand that it’s a state of mind,
And know that it’s not a place?