Apocalyptic Interlude Poem by Doris Cornago

The magnificent turquoise sulfur lake of Kawah Ijen lies at 2148m above sea level and is surrounded by the volcano's sheer crater walls. Sulfur collectors hike up in the morning and return around 1 pm when the clouds roll in. My friend told me about what he has seen and I can only reflect on what amount of labor is involved. Yet, he cannot see complaint nor despair in their faces, but one of stoic duty, free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submitting to what must be done daily.