Thomas Donnelly (23rd October 1994)

I have appointment with the Dark
On this sparse-lit and travelled road
When Winter bites and frost corrodes
As lonely birds sing to the air
I have appointment with the Dark
When Winter comes and trees are bare.

It may be he shall lead me, chained
Across, to his forsaken plane
To down the hellish path depart
Yet I may, against fate, resist.
I have appointment with the Dark
When eyes grow veiled with forlorn mist
As frost across the fields ride
And snowdrops grow on shadowed side.

It would be better if I were
Consumed by passion, like before
When love's chaotic, frenzied blur
Of hand in hand and heart to heart
Lasted for years, but not a second passed...
But I've appointment with the Dark
As Winter winds around me roar,
I pay no heed: I shall outlast
And, true to oath, I shall embark
To face appointment with the Dark.