Along the Way

Along the Way I met a man

With winsome eyes and merry song

Who, offering a friendly hand,

Said, “walk with me, the road is long”.

My heart fast won, I followed him

And gladly took a warming flask.

The evening light was growing dim

And for his name I did not ask.

Encountering a forest dark,

He turned and led me through the trees.

Commandments mother bade me mark

I broke to feel that I was free.

Young traveller, now passing through,

Observe my ghostly servitude.

My bloody end I pray you’ll see

And think not wisdom tyranny.