And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A waterfall, pulling you quickly through
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
Death's second realm has deep, hidden holes
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A giant whirlpool that sucks you down
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The third realm in Death seems fair, but has waves
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
Another waterfall, which the waves crash you through
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
In the fourth of Death's realms the current is stronger
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A small waterfall- strong enough to force you through
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The fifth realm's danger- it changes body and spirit
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A waterclimb, whisking you up and deeper in
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The dead, seeking Life, wait and attack in the sixth realm
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
The water dries up and the cleared hole sinks
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The seventh precinct is just like the first
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A wall of fire, burning bright and long
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The eighth realm has fire bursts that lurk, hidden
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
A dark wall entrapping and dragging you through
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.
The ninth and last precinct is warm, still, and bright
And the river sweeps onwards to the next gate-
Stars which call you up and allow no return
Closing you in Death, sealing your fate.