Blindfolds

The poor villagers, terrified, scurry
With their crops and life stock at hand, they hurry
To lay all at her feet and flee
Again she asks “who will challenge me?”
With eyes cast down
Once more, they give away all they own

It is a wonder why her reign remains
A land once of such glory
Would surely be free
If only one would look
But the young and strong runaway
None have been home for decades who can fight

The elderly envy the children their ne-science
As they cower in her presence
Ask why and they say it has to be
‘Allegiance to her is wisdom you see’
Yet in secret their souls whisper
We are all fools

For in the heart of your worst nightmares
Lay explosives more monstrous than you ever dreamed
And your fear a couple of clashing stones
Without which a nightmare is just one bad dream
And monsters, an ugly set back
Hardly the infernal fate you foresee

Or perhaps thorny stems
Are a path to a rosy top
Soft and bright
Just judged amiss
And fear a cunning mistress
Prolongs your journey

Either way she seals your fate
To a journey more torturous than its end
Face her and the veil is dropped
Rosy or not your path is bared