Facilis Descensus Averno: A Reflection on Grief, Time, and Unimaginable Loss

Per me si va nel'etterno dolore.

Through me lies the way to eternal sorrow.

—Dante, Inferno, Canto III

Facilis descensus Averno–

…after some time, it is impossible to know the face of time.

I hear someone inside coming to the door that had shut behind us forever.

As if by some sort of incantation, the door ajars.

Is he in? I plead. Can I talk to him?

You are one day too late. Such is today the face of time. We buried him yesterday.

We thought you might come to the funeral.

But, please, come right in…