Originally published Spring 2019. This archive article preserves the reporting and context of its original edition.
Let us shed our thoughts of hallucinogenic chemistry
Rather follow Dante into Paradise via Purgatory
Where pleasant pastel colors reign
Absent tortures and persistent pain
We trod into dawn from dark night
End finally into radiant sun bright
We meet political figures and poets
Who tell of Trinity steps
And of seven sins to purge
All in allegories and symbols of church
Rome, presented as a model of community
Florence, a den of gluttony
Tales by Sordello
Of Italy as a bordello
Examples of arrogance and pride
From history and myths worldwide
About martyrs to poverty, humility and generosity
We learn how to attain heaven through poetry
Beatrice in bright beauty appears
Inducing the pilgrim to copious tears
Poor Virgil must retreat
Other guides pick up the beat
Seven nymphs encircle Beatrice as a garland
St. Patrick claimed all were in Ireland
The air is flooded with songs of love
Without it no one can soar above
Silver and gold keys open mystic gates
While souls eagerly await their glorious fates
Heaven is now within reach
Oh, if those wondrous scenes would teach!
- By Elliot O. Lipchik, Irish American Post poetry editor
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