we live, as we dream - alone...

victor hugo, the vision ship 1864-65

we penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness. it was very quiet there. at night sometimes the roll of drums behind the curtain of trees would run up the river and remain sustained faintly, as if hovering in the air high over our heads, till the first break of day.

the offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed sombre under an overcast sky - seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness.

jósef teodor konrad korzeniowski (1857-1924)

victor hugo, ruined aqueduct ca. 1850

and then i see a darkness

did you know how much i love you
there's a hope that somehow you
can save me from this darkness

will oldham (1970-)