Poetry For The Poisoned, Pt. II: So Long

Kamelot's 'Poetry For The Poisoned, Pt. II: So Long' is a haunting exploration of the themes of life, death, and the transition between the two. The song opens with a sense of impending finality, as the lyrics describe the moments just before the break of dawn, symbolizing the end of life and the approach of death. The imagery of a 'bloody kiss' and 'the vision of a dream' suggests a bittersweet farewell, where the protagonist is both resigned to and reflective of their fate. The mention of 'the last of your days in the sun' further emphasizes the finality and the fleeting nature of life.

The chorus, with its plea for mercy and the desire to feel alive, captures the internal conflict of the protagonist. The lines 'So long, your sorrow be gone' and 'No more denial' indicate a longing for peace and acceptance, while the repeated calls to 'show me how it feels to be alive' suggest a yearning for one last experience of life's vibrancy. This duality is a central theme in the song, as the protagonist grapples with the cold reality of death and the warm memories of life.

The song also delves into the relationship between the protagonist and another entity, possibly a lover or a guiding spirit. The lines 'You fed me long, and by God you fed me well' and 'We are one of a kind, you and I' hint at a deep, symbiotic connection. This relationship adds another layer to the song's exploration of life and death, suggesting that the bonds we form in life can transcend even the finality of death. The repeated invocations for mercy and the desire to 'find a place where we can hide' underscore the universal human quest for solace and understanding in the face of mortality.