Save the mournful shrill cry of a lonely night bird.
All at once came a wail that cut through the air,
The sound of a soul in utter despair.
I urged my horse onward, away from the sound
And the Stygian darkness I saw all around.
I raced for my life toward the end of the trail
While hoping my faithful steed didn't fail.
My mount and I both were succombing to fear.
The branches above seemed to grab at my coat;
My chance of escaping looked very remote.
I let go the rein, grabbed the wild, flowing mane,
And coaxed my horse faster, ignoring his pain.
I shut my eyes tightly, not daring to look,
Oblivious even to the path that we took.
So I leapt from his back and started to run.
I continued my flight to escape the unknown,
Tho I soon was faint-hearted and chilled to the bone.
At last the trees thinned and the moonlight shone through;
I thought I would make it if my strength just stayed true.
But my strides became sluggish, I felt hands on my cloak ....
I struggled, I screamed, then finally awoke.
