Blogging Dante: Part 2

"You, who have come to sorrow's hospice, think well...

Beware how you come in and whom you trust,

Don't be deceived because the gate is wide."

When depression strikes, all sorts of thoughts begin knocking on your door. Be judicious in granting them admittance.

"I am where

All light is mute, with a bellowing like the ocean

Turbulent in a storm of warring winds,

The hurricane of Hell in perpetual motion

Sweeping the ravaged spirits as it rends,

Twists, and torments them. Driven as if to land,

They reach the ruin: groaning, tears, laments,

And cursing of the power of Heaven."

Thoughts will arise in the murky depths, thoughts of grief and agony. Again, be cautious in whom you allow to enter the inner chambers of your mind. Depression calls for vitilant gatekeeping.

"No sadness

Is greater than in misery to rehearse

Memories of joy..."

Do not attempt to force happiness. Walk straight through your pain, with a bold, determined step.

"I am in the third

Circle, a realm of cold and heavy rain--

A dark, accursed torrent eternally poured

With changeless measure and nature. Enormous hail

And tainted water mixed with snow are showered

Steadily through the shadowy air of hell:

The soil they drench gives off a putrid odor.

Three-headed Cerberus, mostrous and cruel,

Barks doglike at the souls immersed here, louder

For his triple throat."


As your journey continues, stay strong. Feel the fear if you must, but keep going.