Opening Lyrics

QUINTET
THE OAKEN BARREL WAS CAST ADRIFT
INTO WATERS SO COLD AND SWIFT;
EIGHT THOUSAND FEET ABOVE THE BRINK
OF THE FALL.
ON PAST THE RABBLE WHO LINED THE SHORES; GAMBLERS, GAWKERS, AND SAINTS AND WHORES.
WOULD SHE SURVIVE OR WOULD SHE SINK
IN THE FALL?
GREEN FOAM AND THUNDER BONE-CHILLING WONDER CLOSER, QUICKER, NEARER, FOLLY, BLUNDER:
SHE SUCCUMBED TO THE THRALL
OF THE THUNDER GOD?S CALL.
THE OAKEN BARREL, THE CASKET/WOMB TEETERED RIGHT ON THE
EDGE OF DOOM
AND PAUSED BUT ONCE AS IF TO THINK:
IS THIS ALL?
WHO CAN SAY WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FALL? WHO CAN SAY WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FALL?