So today was a “No Idea What I’m Doing” day. I just started writing and let it take over and become whatever it was going to be. Turns out, it’s a little bit Lovecraft with a hint of “Cabin in the Woods”. As always, I’d love to know what people think.

The Keeper of the Eight-Fold Gate

There’s more around than meets the eye,

More things than can be seen.

If you could see between the lines,

Learn what has always been.

Be warned now, that way madness lies,

For such has been the fate.

Of all who sought for wisdom there,

Beyond the Eight-Fold Gate.

Some claim eight is the number of,

The Gods who live beyond.

For others, it’s how many deaths,

It takes to form the bond.

I only know that madness waits,

For any who would dare.

None have returned, with minds intact,

Who have once ventured there.

I do not know, just what they hope,

To gain at such a cost.

For what is gained is surely gone,

Their shattered souls are lost.

It’s not my place to look beyond,

The Eight-Fold Gate and see.

My job is just to lead you to,

The place you need to be.

Then I collect the ruined thing,

That stands where you once stood.

And take it to a place of rest,

In ancient, sacred wood.

I know, I know, you are the one,

The one who will succeed.

And find that which so many sought,

That for which you still bleed.

Your eyes and flesh were just your part,

Of what you had to pay.

But what you did to others now,

Would make a demon pray.

Now stand upon the stone and speak,

Just as you have rehearsed.

Look through the Eight-Fold Gate and see,

If you are blessed or cursed.

I hear you scream but do not look,

Until the light has gone.

A body slumps upon the stone,

So glad I’m but a pawn.

And as I lead away the husk,

Dark laughter fills my mind.

“I thank you for the meal, such ones,

Are getting hard to find.”

It’s not my place to look beyond,

The Eight-Fold Gate and see.

So long as there are those who would,

What lives there eats for free.

As long as it is fed it need,

Not breach that ancient door.

For if it does, then all is lost,

We will exist no more.

I am not evil, take no joy,

In sacrifice I bring.

Seek just to keep this world safe,

From ancient monstrous thing.

So if you know someone who would,

For ancient wisdom seek.

The sort who’d kill and torture just,

To get themselves a peek.

Send them along, and I will guide,

Them to the Eight-Fold Gate.

That they may claim their just reward,

And so delay our fate.

Cheers, Winston