From heaven his spirit came
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich
From heaven his spirit came, and robed in clay,
The realms of justice and mercy trod.
Then rose a living man to gaze on God,
That he might make the truth as clear as day.
But for that pure star,
that brightened with his ray
The undeserving nest where I was born,
None but his maker can due guerdon pay.
I speak of Dante whose high work remains Unknown
Who rose a living man to gaze on God,
That he might make the truth as clear as day.
Were I but he! Born for like lingering pains,
Against his exile coupled with his good
I'd gladly change the world's best heritage.