14. "Thranitic Lament"

I dreamed in Zubenelg my car defaced.
I wake to livid suicide of an age.

More than our aspirations there were razed,
And in their ruins further fevers rage.

What could we build, when all we dream is gain
Snatched from the crashing breakers on Time's shore?

Outside my door harsh barking squalls mortmain.
I know what i have done & what's in store.

In Zubenelg i'd planned a perfect state:
I'd learn to walk, & let my car decay.

No use in Shuttilon to ruminate,
You pause for half a breath--you're blown away.

Once i believed in times when one could choose
But that belief i had no choice but to lose.