Midway in our life’s journey, I went astray
From the straight road and woke to find myself
Alone in a dark wood. How shall I say
What wood that was? I never saw so drear,
So rank, so arduous a wilderness.
Its very memory gives a shape to fear.
I am the way into the City of Woe.
I am the way to a forsaken people.
I am the way into eternal sorrow.
Sacred justice moved my architect.
I was raised by Divine Omnipotence,
Primordial love, and ultimate intellect.
Only those elements time cannot wear.
Before me and beyond time I stand.
Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.
These mysteries I read cut into stone,
Above agate, and turning I said, “Master,
What is the meaning of this Inscription? ”
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem