"This man, subtle shadow, creeps upon me." // Last Updated 08.Jun.2008

Amarant, also spelled amaranth, in ancient Greece, was a flower considered sacred to Artemis, the virgin huntress. It was consider to have special healing properties, and as a symbol of immortality, it was used to decorate images of the gods and tombs.

Spe Salvi (Latin for Saved by hope) was a letter written by Pope Benedict XVI. (For more information)

This man, subtle shadow, creeps upon me.

I do not fight. Beneath his cloak, he takes
me--hands and mouth, body and soul smothers
all thoughts but those he whispers, those he steals
from my depths. We are reflections--the Fates
used the same thread. Before broken altars,
we have made our pledge, and he tore the petals

from the amarant and burned Spe Salvi.
I did not fight. Beneath his cloak, he took
me and promised nevers and forevers.
And, yes, he is true, each word and every
worthless, worthless, worthless which he does tuck
into my depths with kisses and whispers.