Take my hand.
Leave this room.
Stone and shadow, fang and gloom.
Here dwell monsters dressed as love,
Here no goodness breathes above.
Turn away. Be found. Be free.
Take my hand—don’t fear what you’ll be.
You will rise.
You will rise—
The one that fear itself denies.
Take my soul.
Take my flame.
Take the fire and take my name.
You have heart.
You have the will.
You have courage—stand here still.
Stand.
Then go.
Take your heart and leave me here.
Do not turn. Do not draw near.
What lies back must stay unmade—
I remain where vows were laid.
I have seen you crowned in flame,
I have heard the world speak your name.
Take your crown.
Make it true.
The age ahead belongs to you.
Venture forth from caverned night,
From the womb of stone to light.
Climb the mountain. Cross the vale.
Through the storm and through the gale.
You will rise—the one, the only.
Do not walk this road too lonely.
Gather rogues of peak and plain,
All who bear a scar or chain.
An archer’s eye will guard your back.
A maiden’s voice will guide your path.
Your teacher may be scaled and old,
A dragon wise with truths untold—
Or maybe truth is simpler found:
A friend who stands when none are round.
Go now.
Leave me in this cave I made.
I painted futures, light and blade.
Your days are sworn to honor bright;
Mine end softly in the night.
With my kin I’ll rest in stone,
Cave-bound beast, yet not alone.
Bones will mark this mountain’s spine,
I’ll howl like lion—fierce, divine.
So go, my friend.
Venture far.
Do not die where dead ends are.
I have seen what you’ll become—
Beyond the dark.
Beyond the drum.
Hmmmm…
Hmmm…
Hmm…
Gminus1
