Werewolf Winter of 43'

Before the winter of 43'
My cattle were dying, or so it seemed.

Walking along the fence I found
A beast had come and taken my crown.
She lye there stiff and breathing tight
Insides were out, no will left to fight.

I knew what I had to do.

At first moonlight, the man is gone
Must eat flesh
Must taste blood
Follow the path of the dying one

It started that night and came in my dreams
The moon was out and my vision was clean.
So many men, pitchforks, and lights
I took to the woods for fear of my life. 

With each tree I passed my lungs grew tired
Running fast and determined, a fever conspired.
My brain was lost but my body was sound
I knew where to go, a cave in the ground.

The transformation started with my fingers and toes
Nails pull back, claws begin to grow.
Vomit and spit pour from my mouth
Skin tears and rips, coarse hair sprouts.

My joints and bones proceed to pry
Screaming, sweating, preparing to die.
Finally, a piercing chill runs up my spine
Teeth fall out, replaced with canine.

I knew what I had to do

At first moonlight, the man is gone
Must eat flesh
Must taste blood
Follow the path of the dying one

Living in a cave more evil than Hell
I try to escape this wretched spell.
Not killed or eaten for several weeks
My body grows tired, my identity meek.

Scared, alone, and lost in the wild
My senses heightened, I could smell a child.
Instincts took over, predatory
She wandered into my territory.

Looking for a soul that no longer exists
She gazed into my eyes, a yellow abyss.
With one swift strike I closed the deal
Dragged her back to my cave and devoured the meal.

The town heard what I had done
My guilt was strong, I couldn't run.
Hunting for a wolf in man's clothes
They will not stop until my blood flows

I knew what I had to do

At first moonlight, the man is gone
Must eat flesh
Must taste blood
Follow the path of the dying one

So many men, pitchforks, and lights
They came for me in the middle of the night.
Hunting for a wolf in man's clothes
Neighbor, friend, or father? No one knows.

"Torture and kill this monstrous bane,
Tie him up with silver chains"
Tied to horses and dragged through town
"Fill a stake with gunpowder and put it in the ground"

Raised high for all to see
But, they didn't know this started as a dream.
Looking into their eyes I found
A beast had come and taken their crown.

Right before they lit the fire
Surrounding wolves joined in choir.
As the torch approached I could see her face
The one I killed, my sweet daughter Grace.

I knew what I had to do

HOWL.