The Rider The progress is slow Creep, crawl, breathe deep breaths of woe Sink or swim; unknown outcomes theoretically grim Peer through fog, mist turns to rain in the Hollow Courage hath betrayed me The galloping grows louder in my head, echoing intensity Wrinkled, shaking hands fumble fate, unknown slayer waits These dark trees smile, laugh, in the woods of destiny The rider’s eyes intensify Legs become weak, tremble, can’t breathe; can’t cry This forest’s patronizing glare, subtle smiles show no care Clutching leaves as I fall, his dark, imposing stature horrifies The Moon darkens Shutter, shout, but only the rider hearkens Hope all but lost; this oath came at to great a cost His jagged sword raised high, my every muscle weakens An alliance now severed I’ve unveiled the truth, though my death is not deserved The secrets, the lies of a town, go with me into the ground Now their pawn of death, the rider, obeys what they so desired