The First Circle Entrance: Under
the Library
My academic performance, far below robust,
and
the headmaster showed signs of conjugal
disgust.
Gazing down on me with one eye rucked, he
spoke aloud,
“Education is of no help with this one. It’s
certain his brain was left in a cloud.”
All students laughed and finished their
writings.
Except I, just sat there and watched the
school become empty.
As they skipped out of the brick building on
the final bell of the final day,
I was forced far back in the library.
Hidden under a dismembered grandfather clock
was a rusty metal door
that only the rotten knew was hidden in the
floor.
With the headmaster’s beastly size it took
only a single pry.
The clock slid aside and access was there, no
choice, I could not deny.
I was cast down, not to return
until I finally had learned!
The heavy door slammed behind and black
blinded my eyes.
With one careful step down I went on a dark
descent.
Swallowing down fear like a man, keeping
balance was the only plan.
Right hand dragging across the course wall,
as memory aided for the quick flash I saw
of the headmaster’s gigantic finger pointed
downwards to a light switch so small.
Six blind steps passed yet no floor was
below,
only horrid creeks and a damp draft came up
so slow.
Alas, my hand found the jagged-edged light
switch
with a deep penetration under my fingernail.
Warmth streamed off my finger and tears
streamed off my lips.
Lightheaded, cold sweat, I knew not how to
deal
and was unsure what could possibly be in
store.
A relief came from a flash afar,
where there was faint light down the
corridor.
The flash was hidden long and deep,
and my eyes adjusted to see the murky floor.
Unknown liquids were pushing up through the
cracks like a swollen sore.
The walls without depth were meddled with
mold,
and the air in my lungs almost caused me to
fold.
Meters away as high as I could see
were stacked chairs, metal cabinets, and a
single étagère.
The fluorescent light flickered a pattern far
behind,
creating a dimness that was dreadful and
sublime.
Solitude was gained from the ambiance,
and without mind I was in a deep, deep
trance.
The beat of the light took control of my
body,
bludgeoning and bludgeoning me into a
ritualistic dance.
I looked in that direction to find the beam
too bright,
and turned back to discover the ray dancing
so free,
bouncing from dusty books, to antique cabinet
just as happily.
The
light settled on a grand red chair
of velvet cloth with a shiny glean
that was certainly fit for a king,
ever so plush and just as fair
with the dark wood shining new and carved
clean.
Inches away my eyes could see
an impressive engraving of mystical
calligraphy.
I sat in the chair and halcyon I became,
then a smooth smell of garlic entangled the
air.
Too overwhelmed I sat, for my eyes to see
the dim clove that floated in front so free.
The clove grew as wide as the dark corridor
and about as tall as that grimy wall.
The heat of garlic fell on me strong,
and my skin tingled, demonstrating that I did
belong.
An old card catalog came into view
and my curiosity started to stew.
I left my seat stepping fast
but too much time had already passed.
Pulling a card I saw the letters and was
ready to read
but my brain went to a different land,
and my eyes couldn’t understand.
One card wiggled and shined
and suddenly I was no longer blind.
I grabbed it and was able to read,
“Harum-Scarum.”
The chilling words filled me with dread,
burning my fingers I dropped it and fled.
My loneliness grew and my brain began to
loop.
Oh, how homesick my heart grew and so great
the pain;
I was forced to stoop until my knees scraped
the floor,
oh, how I wished to be at the front school
door.
Learning I was and would have no more!
so I backed up, step-by-step, ever careful not to
slip.
Then I heard such a ghastly blip,
and existing nearby was Remorse,
but I was the dominant and stayed my
course.
I reached the chair and was invited in,
when garlic appeared, I was smart again.
