This Grey and dreary dawn
calls out to me,
like the specter
of some long dead lover.
The chill upon the air,
damp with winter snow,
seeps into my bones.
I shiver for a moment
before drawing a breath
in deeply,
taking the cold air in,
making it part of me.
The shivering stops.
Today is the day
for red work.
For tying up the frayed ends
of contracts signed
by desperate men
in their life’s blood.
Cowards, sinners and worse.
Those who would sign away
all hope for redemption,
and damn their souls
to an eternal fire,
for to have someone,
anyone,
do their dirty work.
The act complete,
and now their fate is sealed.
Grim purpose flexes my hands
and draws me out.
On this cold day,
sky hidden by the clouds,
I make my way out into the world
to finish my work.
My face has been the same
for a thousand years.
My rest will come
when the work is complete.
To seek out those
who would deal infernally,
and take them
screaming,
off to Hell.
They always scream,
once they learn,
that there are no more
bargains to be made,
and their mistake
was final
and forever.
Through the burning door,
I drag them off,
to wait their judgement
somewhere warm.
HG – 2020
