Within the Forest Deep

https://soundcloud.com/dusty-grein/within-the-forest-deep

Beware the wood, where shadows black as night

cavort like living dark between the trees,

for thus has entered many a glorious knight,

high-riding, strong and brave, upon a steed…

now naught but gallant memories remain.

These wilds have ancient secrets to retain

and those who seek to make this place their own

must have no sins for which they need atone.

’Tis said that human souls find demon-sleep,

and every one is lost, whose lot is thrown

among the trees within the forest deep.

Ground fog creeps in, and quickly fades the light;

salvation now becomes a primal need,

while shadows twist, encouraging your fright

and glowing eyes betray some evil breed.

Dark clouds do cast upon the moon a stain

which dims faint lunar light towards black again.

A raspy voice, that of some ageless crone,

calls out your name and chills your very bones.

As inky shadows round your body creep,

prepare your soul to face threats yet unknown

among the trees within the forest deep.

O foolish man, it does no good to fight

against an enemy who does not bleed!

A lightning flash just at the edge of sight

frightens your horse, which struggles to break free.

It rolls its eyes and screams in mortal pain

as twisting branches grasp, and then restrain.

On stiffened knees your loyal mount does groan,

and topple to the earth, its body stone.

Now must you venture onward as you weep,

for unseen creatures howl and loudly moan,

among the trees within the forest deep.

Too late now to avoid your wretched plight,

your fear swells deep inside, a vile weed.

Dank moss, and fungus yellowing with blight,

soon plant within your soul an evil seed;

then, when it seems you must go quite insane,

a voice behind you says, “Let me explain.”

You draw your sword and spin, terror full blown,

but no one’s there; you are still quite alone.

The rending of the dark makes your heart leap,

you find blue-tinged witchfire has quickly grown

among the trees within the forest deep.

Feet frozen fast, unable to take flight,

you’re paralyzed by some unholy deed

and evil Fae folk, foul eyes shining bright,

grin as they dine; on rancid flesh they feed,

and sup on drink brewed from some bitter grain.

Your sanity, you’re desperate to retain

as courage, like chaff, to the wind is thrown

upon their devil’s pile of gristled bones.

In horror you see, o’er the putrid heap,

a wrinkled Elven Queen upon a throne,

among the trees within the forest deep.

Based on the witch’s smile, your fate is known;

One evil kiss, and all free will has flown.

Your cursed soul’s no longer yours to keep--

damnation, from within her eyes has shone

among the trees within the forest deep.

© 2017 - Dusty Grein

(a chant royal in iambic pentameter)