The Leechers

As Dante and Virgil continue towards the River Styx through the fourth circle of the avaricious and prodigal, they come across a repulsive display. Within a pool of swampy mud, are several people. The pit is full of leeches and parasites that feed on the sinners. These people are the leeches of society. They freeload and want everything provided for them. Although able in body to work, they refuse to and lead a selfish life. In their greed, they feed off of the hard work of others while not putting in any effort of their own. These people are separated from the main area of the fourth circle because they aren't hoarding or squandering their own wealth, but the wealth of others. Their greed manifests in their parasitic lives, so their punishment corresponds. Because they chose to sit around in life, they are to wallow in the muddy pit, trapped. As they leeched upon others, leeches and parasites now feast on and violate their bodies while they drown in the pool.

*Terza Rima is used throughout.

As we moved toward the bank,
Across a peculiar pit we came,
A sight so foul and mean.

I can say without shame,
My stomach churned at the scene.
For in my place, you would feel the same.

It was a pool of slimy creatures unclean
And men that writhed in filth and mud.
"What is this that we have seen?"

My guide replied, "These parasites feast on the blood
Of the ones who feasted upon the work of others.
Eternally they are defiled in this malodorous flood."

One stood out among these grimy prisoners.
Though most were buried in the sludge deep,
His arms flailed unlike his submerged brothers.

I called out, "Your situation makes my heart weep.
Tell me, why have you fallen to this punishment?"
Gurgling, the man tried to answer, his breath hard to keep.

"Into wealth I was born, you see. Something I now resent.
My bread, accustomed to having all provided,
I didn't work for; but alas it is too late to repent."

Soon after, his energy subsided
And the wretched pool of parasites consumed him
It was high time to leave, I decided.

"Master I have seen enough of this fate so grim.
Let us continue to the fifth across the River Styx.
No longer do I wish to witness this vile swim."

Looking away, upon the river I fixed my optics.
To escape this nightmarish dimension
I should not let one place transfix.

Chris Coronado, Period 2