Beyond Measure

by Gabrielle Everett
geverett@mail.teclink.net



                         We know this much


                         Death is an evil;


                         We have the gods'


                         word for it; they too


                         would die if death


                         were a good thing


                                --Sappho








Ephiny, I want you to have my right of caste.


I...I won't need it anymore...


And though she protested and refused, I said it anyway.


Relief flooded me, easing the pain that washed me





Should I be this relieved...I don't know


I am taking an easy way out - a coward's way


Regardless, what's done is done - I no longer have to


Bear witness to man's inhumanity to man





     Are you happy with this choice, Gabrielle?


     Will you be able to bear the constant, consistent pain


     That she will feel because of her loss, her sorrow, her heartarche?


     In the Elysian Fields we hear much.  Can you make this choice?





Choice, Marcus?  What choice had I?


I have followed since we met.  And now


It will be easier for her - not having a tag-a-long


Not having to always worry, always protect me.


It is better this way.





     You kid yourself, Gabrielle.  In a moment of weakness, you kid yourself.


     We each have a profound influence upon each other.


     Regardless of how little we value ourselves, others value us beyond measure


     She started on the path of redemption, but you keep her there when she would falter.





     No matter the relief you feel, you will be haunted


     As I am haunted, even here in Paradise, by the thoughts


     Of the Living; by the remorse of the Living; by the joy of the Living.


     You have a choice because you are simply hovering on the edge


          ...And because she loves you more





     Go back, Gabrielle.  You've unfinished business.


     Paradise is wonderful, but not before your


     Life's mission is complete


     Can't you hear her calling you?





"Don't leave me!  Don't leave me!  Wake up!  Wake up!"





     Tell our beloved I think of her always





I went back...


And she kissed my forehead and held me tight


I saw the tears and felt the warmth


Yes...I chose


Marcus was right:  this is where I belong.








Gabrielle Everett


11/1/96
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