This poem focuses on the development of Dark Ember. It uses the image mentioned in the book of the knowlege of her death as a mountain, to show what is happening in Ember's mind between discovering her tumour, and accepting death and indifference.
The Mountain
Before, my life was full Of music, light and colour, Radiant with golden Song.
Then, the mountain came. It filled the sky, casting The world into deep shadow.
I ran from it, searching For the land of light and Song, But found only a twilight
Of fear and pain. I wandered there, until I could stand it no more.
I chose. I gave up the memory of light, And turned towards the mountain.
I walked, Deep in to the black shadows Gathered at its base.
There, I discovered The blessing of darkness; What you can not see,
You can not fear; What you do not have, You can not lose.
I embraced the dark peace The mountain offered, And built a shrine on its slopes.
I sing to you, now, Mountain of shadows, Lord of the dark. I sing to you, my death.