The Rime of the Cosmic Traveler

Part I It is an ancient traveler, Who halts a soul of three. “By Saturn’s rings, why call me now? What tale dost thou decree?” With burning eyes like distant stars, He spoke with voice so grave: “I've sailed beyond where mortals dream, Through realms no soul can brave. A ship of steel, with silver gleam, Did bear us swift and far, Past belts of dust and moons of ice, Drawn to a silent star. But then a form of shining light Danced through the comet's trail; My crew beheld with hearts so wide— Yet pride made my heart frail. I raised my hand; I struck with fire, The song it sang went still. A storm of stars then tore the void— A curse bound to my will.” Part II The heavens roared; the cosmos wept, Our engines fell from grace. We drifted toward a shadowed maw, No mercy in its face. A black hole vast, with hunger deep, Did swallow star and sound; My crew, though whole, were turned to stone, Their souls no longer found. In silence dark, I drifted lone, A shadow in the deep. The song I stilled had bound my fate— A sorrow I must keep. For cycles long, no time nor end, Regret my only guide, Until one star of tender glow Pierced through the endless tide.