Slow and fearful hath we walked
along the mire, upon the rocks,
to sketch our map – yet incomplete –
where legends place the raging Beast.
Our footfalls creeping, eyes askance,
for fear we’d ever chance to glance
the burning eyes and growling maw
of the Beast we knew but never saw.
Enmity and gnashing teeth
are all we know of the raging Beast.
Mankind, he cowers. His children weep.
It’s time to put the Beast to sleep.
Know thy path, and lest thou stray:
keep well within the boundary!
Give not challenge, speak not once;
the Beast hath great an ear for tongues!
Take thy bounty where thou can.
It’s all been written! Mind the plan!
And if thou see a man astray
my brothers, look the other way!
Scramble now! And be thou fleet!
Thou drew the gaze of the screaming Beast!
But we left our treasures at its feet!
It’s time to put the Beast to sleep.
In hiding hath we, passing safe,
the key to all we need this day.
And if thou suffer other needs,
give thanks at least for longevity!
Wonder nothing, but believe
no worthwhile thing hides near the Beast.
Keep down thy head and never fear:
Thou shall glimpse no Beast in here!
Our starving spirits search the deeps,
for in the light we fear the Beast.
But fear hath left us naught to eat.
It’s time to put the Beast to sleep.
