Faust, alone in his workshop

by Eric Martin

(Hamlet: “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
— Hamlet, Shakespeare.)

Since, abroad, my sorrows spoiled my peace,
I quit its stirring scenes without regret;
Since, returning, sorrows fail to cease,
Familiar sights, as well, are sadly met.
Oh! I suffer! and the starless night
That steals upon me in these twilight hours
Adds to my already blunted sight! —
To me alone Life’s hand extends no flowers!
Where am I to find those joys I lack?
I seek in vain — all hopes elude my grasp!
It is time! — Why tremble? — Why shrink back
From Death’s abyss, the grave’s unyielding clasp? —
Come, unwholesome cup! envenomed bowl!
That either shall destroy — or free — my soul!

© 2008 by Eric Martin