Ancient Foe

Oh darkened fiend, immortal foe,

Of ancient cities long ago,

From golden gates I saw you thrown,

Upon the lands of fire and stone.

In twilight dreams you now appear,

Where worldly lines have disappeared,

And lands unknown, both new and old,

Are opened wide to restless souls.

I’ve seen you on the verdant mountain,

Above the grand and wondrous fountain,

By hidden garden, ancient lore,

Where life had sparked and hope was stored.

I’ve seen you in the olden field,

In battles amid good and ill,

Where lighted turrets boldly stand,

Against the dark, primeval land.

I’ve seen you in the distant night,

When tales of terror turn me white,

Where shadows dance upon the walls,

And conjure fears, unknown to all.

I’ve seen you in the eyes of men,

Where primal evil stirs within,

When deeds unholy blacken souls,

And raze the spirit, pure and whole.

I’ve seen you in the days of war,

An unseen general in the fore,

Inciting purest of all hate,

To forge and mold unholy fates.

And yet your rival I have seen,

In deepest sleep and purest dream,

Where fear is but a distant sight,

When bathed in warmth and unseen light.