Alchemisland

I felt safe going out unarmed as conditions were adverse

Even the lined ancients with old balloon faces like raked clay

Could not recall a day worse

I was told that I would be shot like a cur if found, in those terms

But a man, bow wow, cannot be bound

He must be able to go out and if he must bow out must bow out

On his terms

So I was walking along there, night now but it had been early

I heard a sound and with no others around did fear the worst

Hoping to avoid the ultimate divorce

That divestment of life by force, resulting in a trip by hearse

Up the lichroad, to vilest earth

Step-measured dirt my urn

No earnings travelling today

The pleasant end of yearning at well-met fate

Tossing aside my blackthorn switch

Which I carried as a ward against warlocks and witches

I leaped into a ditch with a warrener’s speed

Landed upon cushioning furze, winded the weeds

With a customary curse

From out that purse seeing only a rider’s legs and spurs in blur

Atop steed with fervent speed rode out beyond where I could see

And I was glad we had not met that eve

For I sensed during his rapid passing some definite seed

One verily evil indeed.