My initial reaction was that writers of fine prose don't necessarily make fine poets, and I wrote this off as something I needed to read.

But on rereading, the poem "takes off" once the dreamer has left his body and the journey to judgement takes place. There is some fine material in the alternating

“And thou art wrapp'd and swathed around in
dreams.
Dreams that are true, yet enigmatical;
For the belongings of thy present state,
Save through such symbols, come not home to
thee.
And thus thou tell'st of space, and time, and
size,
Of fragrant, solid, bitter, musical,
Of fire, and of refreshment after fi

A comforting reminder that Purgatory is for souls already saved, and the necessary temporary purification process can only be withstood by that conformity to Love itself which increases as a soul strives toward sanctity

Dear Angel, say, why have I now no fear at meeting Him?

It is because Then thou didst fear, that now thou dost not fear. Thou hast forestalled the agony, and so for thee the bitterness of death is past.

Absolutely incredible

This book was a beautiful poem that touched on the pains and joys of a soul immediately preceding, during, and succeeding it’s death. With great usage of different poetical stylings for each person (person is loose here as it’s mostly a soul, angels, and demons speaking), it is incredibly clear to t

I listened to a talk by Dr. Peter Kreeft on YouTube called "10 Books No One Should Be Allowed To Die Without Reading", which he had expanded to 26 books, not being able to pick just 10, and this was one. I can't thank Dr. Kreeft enough for recommending it. It is a speculation by Cardinal Newman on w