Inferno

First the cynics, who live without hope
Then those who were swept by desire.
Next inner emptiness of those who can’t cope;
Fools and hoarder too, doomed to this fire.
The bitter are here, still not letting go;
As are those who don’t comprehend.
Others lashed out, their blows striking low
And the liars have come to the end.

The Earl awaits in his frost-bitten ring,
Trapped in his own darkened wasteland.
Loyalty, virtue – both meant not a thing
And love he could not understand.
These men were not evil, but their morals were bent:
Their flaws made the prison to which they were sent.