I dreamt of blood upon the shore,
of eyes that spoke of sin.
The lake was smooth and deep and black
as was her scented skin.
A mask I wore as I approached,
I was what I am not.
And though the pattern was unclear,
its meaning could be bought.
Drawn to Bacchus's abode,
I sought there to conspire.
But it was in the city of the dead
that I found my heart's desire.
The road was blocked, the truth was shunned
the white flag had been raised.
Reversal cost me all I had,
and everything I'd braved.
And then the night became as day,
I glimpsed nature's reddest claw!
The face of fear looked back at me,
as I gazed into the maw.
My last ally laid to waste,
I ran toward the light.
I prayed for one to change my path,
to give me strength to fight.
And then the wheel went round and round,
I could not find my way.
Twelve and three and turn the key,
I heard the madman say.
Deep in the earth I faced a fight
that I could never win.
The blameless and the base destroyed,
and all that might have been.