The Last Judgement - Bosch

Squat hooded rider, whip in hand astride
The giant red robed rat he drives through hell;
Panniers of petty sinners either side
And everywhere is death’s rank, putrid smell.
As Christ sits calmly judging all who died,
Evil destruction tolls the ghastly knell.
A hopeless clamour as the wrong abide
To hear the human clapper strike the bell.

A wheel turns, so the clockwork crone partakes
Of flesh from souls, the judge smugly forsakes.
Smoke from far, dying cities fills the air,
Where patient ravens thrive upon despair.

Hacked off limbs and heads lay side by side,
Cruel demons chanting, calling all are welcome
To this acrid waste, hope cast aside;
A nether land with hideous tales to tell;
A place where pilgrims learn the price of pride
Eternal damnity for promised souls that fell.
For those who failed the judgement and were tried
Amongst the grotesque evermore shall dwell.