Stanza I

Dry sand blew in the wind, littering all of it. An abundance of it. Or was it poor? Of sustenance.

Henry shakes his head. He continues to walk.

Henry squints his eyes. Watch closely. Dyed the same color, shaded according to the sun. But there. Blended into the surroundings. A path. He thinks with a smile.

Henry continues to walk.

Henry wanted something. Along the road he was refining it. His request.

Sometimes, the idea of it, fades and is filled in, is filtered and hidden, is revealed and ignored.

But if the intention is pure, the road can still be found.

Down here, quick!

To the left! To the left!

Forward! Always onwards!

The fairies call out.

“Is it still there?” One calls out.

“Do you still see the road?” Another calls.

Henry frowns. “It is barren here. I may lose myself.” He says.

“Ask it of me. I will help you.” The twin fairies call.

Henry waves his hand. “I will save my question for the master.” He says.

Henry continues to walk.

Henry continues to walk.

How far will he go.

To get a glimpse of it.

The achievement in the distance.

To offer his fears to the wind.

To be judged for a dream.

Stanza II

Onwards, onwards.

The roads diverge ahead.

A question ahead.

Prepare yourselves.

As they near, they hear it call out to them.

Lean to the left, lean to the right,

“Do we divide?” Old Sol calls out.

Henry frowns. “If only there were a middle path.” He comments.

Old Sol laughs. “I will take the left. May our paths cross again.” He says, leaning to the left, drifting onwards, onto another road.

Henry frowns. Where is the path to my master? He calls out.

Henry digs his nails into his hand.

“The path is still long. My master is further down the road.” He says crossing onto the right road.

The desert wind, the shining sun, the heat propels. Onwards, onwards.

Some bushes ahead. The butterflies and the birdsongs watch as you pass.

A glimpse of what you’re seeking for.

The road ahead, barren and dusty.

You feel it. Thirsty.

“I thirst for power.” Henry calls out.

“May you find water soon.” The faraway voice calls out.

The path, covered in sand, still exists, hidden, buried, will you stray?

Onto the left, a birdhouse.

Lean in.

Donations, for the Maria road.

Henry sighs. He places two silvers.

Henry continues forward.

Stanza III

The rain’s coming in. Clouds loom ahead.

Rumbling in the distance.

Bah boom. Bah boom.

BrBrbrbrbrr.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Release.

Drip drop on your face.

Shhhhrrrrr.

Lick your lips.

Let it seep into your clothes.

Let it wash over you.

Henry lets out a sigh.

“There is a home in the distance.” The fae say.

Henry pushes forward.

Henry sees it.

Oak trees line the road, approach.

A cabin.

Henry frowns. “A matriarch. Hunters.” The fae call out.

Anxiety builds.

Henry walks forward, passing the home on the road.

Henry wipes the sweat from his brow.

“My master is still far ahead. It’s no time to rest.” He says.

Onwards. Onwards always.

Henry checks his pockets. He lights a cigarette.

Onwards. Onwards always.

The road ahead, still buried in sand.

The road ahead, still hiding.

Does Henry feel the call?

“You missed something.” The fae whisper.

Henry frowns. “There is only onwards.” He says.

Forward.

The heavens frown. Angered, a swift wind, dust, swept in the air, clouding the sight.

Henry sighs. He leans down.

There is a flower on the road.

Henry bows. As a gentleman would.

In the distance, a grapevine.

Henry shakes his head. “Its time to get lost.” He says.

Stanza IV

Henry sighs. “Escape little one!” The fae call out.

Into the grapevine a blur.

In and out.

Henry leans down. Raspberries, hiding under the leaves.

Henry smells the air. “There’s a blueberry in there.” The fae call out.

‘Strawberries as well’ Henry says.

“We’re waiting.” A voice in the distance says.

“Coming!” Another voice.

“And we’re here too!” The fae call out.

“Oh no!” Henry calls out.

Henry runs for the entrance. Quickly escaping the grapevine.

Seeing the desert, he sighs in relief.

Quickly he rounds the bend.

“Ah!” The fae call out.

Down the road, the path, opening its arms, welcoming him.

Henry pushes forward.

His throat dry.

Gasping for breath.

Water, he needed water.

“Starve! Coward!” In the distance, a call.

Henry frowns. “My master is still ahead.” He says.

The golden sand, shimmering in the light.

The sun shining. “Yes! The sun shining.” A voice calls out.

“Your selfishness will claim your soul!” The fae call out.

“I don’t care.” Henry calls out. Henry continues onward.

“Night is coming. I must prepare.” Henry says.

Clouds cover the bare naked sky in shame.

Henry covers his face. “I apologize, my lady.” He says.

Henry moves forward.

The barren desert, welcoming him.

“Ah, my master is still ahead.” Henry says with a smile.

Music begins to play.

Stanza V

“Character check.” The voices whisper.

“Hmm. Just enough to play the virgin.” A voice calls out.

Henry smiles. “On with the show.” He says.

A stench in the air. Smells like rot and decay.

Henry shakes his head. He moves onward.

Henry waits. For something, for inspiration.

Down the road.

Away from this.

Further away, from the grapevine.

Henry finds a wooden fort to hide in.

“Get out. Too small for you.” A voice calls out.

“Damn.” Henry says.

Henry moves onwards.

“Damn. Need a place to hide.” He says.

“Damn. Sunlight.” He says.

“Spotlight?” The fae call out.

“No. Just a normal day.” Henry calls back.

“Don’t you have work today?” A voice calls out.

Henry frowns.

“Maybe further ahead.” Henry says.

Onwards.

Onwards.

Onwards.

Henry moves forward.

“Try ahead.” The fae call out.

Silence. Henry creeps forward.

“No.” Henry calls out.

“Times up.” The fae say.

Henry pulls his suspenders, allowing them to snap back onto his chest.

“I'm getting distracted.” Henry calls out.

“Tell us what road you’re on.” The fae call out.

“I’m on the road to the devil.” Henry's voice calls out.

“Who isn't.” A voice says.

“Not me.” Another voice calls out.

“Welp.” Henry says. “Well, you’re in the story now.” He smiles.

“Welp.” A feminine voice says.

Henry looks around. “There was a story, passing by here the other day. Have you heard of it?” He says.

“Which story?” A knowing voice calls out. A loving voice calls out.

Henry smiles. “It was a love story.” He says.

“I have no love for the devil.” A voice calls out, making their voice known.

“I have no desire for the devil.” Another calls out.

Henry trips. “I’ll save you!” He calls out.

Henry stumbles. Falls. “No?” Henry calls out.

“Hmm.” Henry says. “My master must still be ahead.” He says.

Henry moves forward.

“Too soon.” A fairy calls out.

“Too soon. Monsters ahead.” The fae call out.

“Too soon. The smell of blueberries.” A feminine voice calls out.

Henry smiles.

“Onwards!” He yells out.

Stanza VI

Henry continues to walk.

Up ahead. A weary traveler.

“Come with me.” He calls out. “I know the way.” He says, answering a prayer.

Henry feels tiredness wash over him. “Please. I can no longer lead myself.” He says.

“Are you unwell?” The man calls out.

Henry shakes his head. “Just old.” He says. “My master is still ahead.” He says.

The weary traveler laughs. “Have you worked today?” He calls out.

Henry lets out a grimace. “No, I do not work.” He says.

The traveler laughs. “Don't work? Who doesn’t work?” He says.

Henry smiles. “Do you want something?” He asks.

“Something to ask, who’s offering?” He calls out.

“My master is ahead. I can carry your request forward.” He says.

“Maybe a change in order.” Henry says, smirking.

“Begone. Demon.” The traveler says. Leaving on the path, leaning to the left.

Henry shakes his head. Onwards.

Henry moves onwards.

Henry’s thoughts begin to drift. How much has he spent on credit? He asks himself.

How much alchemy has he accomplished.

The gold mine, how much has he spun.

How much of the mind has he unlocked?

“Hopefully I can get into more debt.” Henry says with a smile.

Henry quickly leaves. Taking a back door.

Henry quickly vanishes. Like a smelly puff of air.

Stanza VII

Weaving in. Various threads. “Come, let’s go on this journey together.” Henry calls out.

Like a soft wool, weaving, quilt, tapestry—

“Hey, we don’t have enough threads for that!” A voice calls.

A tune in the distance.

Something calling, drawing the children near—

“We must stop it!” A brave soul calls out.

“Do not let him move forward.” A voice calls out.

“No! He’s assigning roles!” A voice calls out.

“Ah! Demon!” A voice screams.

“Ahh! How greedy can you be?” A voice says.

Henry breaths in. “I apologize. It is a result of my laziness. I’ve rested on my laurels for too long and now there is a fire under my ass.” He says.

“Well don’t drag us in!” Erin calls out.

“Ah! Named!” A voice screams.

“Terrible.” Samantha says, shaking her head.

“No. I refuse.”

“Well, I accept.” A lady introduces herself.

“My name, Rosalie. A pleasure, to make your acquaintance.” She says.

Heaviness overcomes Henry’s eyes. “My god,” he says overwhelmed. “I can no longer tell. Is there enthusiasm here?” He asks.

“A hint.” A lingering fairy says. “Hey! Give her a name!” Another calls out.

Henry opens his hazy eyes. “Clementine.” He says.

“Food? We don’t have any.” Erin says.

Henry squints his eyes. “Someone told me there were monsters ahead.” He says.

“Well, how heavy are your burdens?” A curious voice says.

“Light! Light, I assure you.” Henry says, wiping the sweat from his face.

“Truth and lie, they intermingle.” A fairy says.

“Do you dare name her?” A voice asks.

Henry shakes his head. “Never.” He says.

“And the judges, the gatekeepers. Ahead. They call out.” The fae say.

Henry gulps. “And of the abyss creatures?” He asks.

“Further on the road. Just lingering long enough, for you to introduce them.” A cheesy voice says.

Henry, mildly threatened, smiles. “And blueberries? They must be on the road as well?” He says, hiding his intention.

“No! How dare you ask!” Erinyes calls out.

“No! How dare you!” A person, peaking in says.

“No! Don’t make monsters of us!” A voice says.

Henry frowns. “Not monsters. But my master is ahead.” He says, leaving.

In the distance, a chrome light, echoing, bells, in the air, announcing, the beginning.

Will they play on? Henry calls out, his hair greying.

Stanza VIII

Before Henry, a bustling civilization, a café, with outdoor tables, the French, smoking their cigarettes, the evening ladies drinking their wine.

“But it’s morning, right?” Erinyes calls out.

Henry frowns. “Yes, it is morning. And something else. What’s this? Am I weeping?” he calls out.

Henry grits his teeth. Walks forward.

“Ah ugh,” A man calls out, standing before him.

Henry frowns. “What?” He says.

“I feel anger.” The fae call out.

“Earn your place here.” The fae call out.

Henry feels his penis shrivel. “I am but a lonely girl, in a lonely world.” He says.

“Are you gritting your teeth?” Erinyes calls out.

Henry frowns. “How much is a coffee?” He asks.

Rosalie looks over.

Samantha peaks in.

The man frowns. “I am no waiter.” He says.

“He held it in. I believe it.” Johnny says.

Henry couldn’t help but smile. “How old are you Johnny?” He says.

Johnny frowns. “I'm fucking 24.” He says.

Henry smiles. “Two forty. For the coffee. What do you say?” He asks.

Rosalie spits. “You dare!?” She calls out.

Henry winces. “My master is ahead. Have a good day.” He says.

Henry takes his exit, a scent caught in his nose.

“And a coldness!” Erinyes calls out, laughter echoing in the background.

Henry walks forward. “The matrix.” He says, dropping it off, as he leaves.

Erinyes frowns. Her fangs peaking out.

The fae begin to scramble. They had work to do.

Stanza IX

“I'm a homo sapient.” Henry cries out.

“Hmmm.” Purple says.

“Hey, you look cute.” Johnny says.

“Someone bit into that.” An Arizona boy says.

“Hey, what’s your number. What’s your name?” A voice says.

“Yes. Really flow this shit.” Rosalie says.

“Aquaboy. I was talking. I said I’m a homo sapient.” Henry says.

“Well I don’t believe you.” Purple says.

“And neither do I.” Erinyes says.

“Nor do I.” Samantha says.

“Believe it or not it is true. Really flow this shit through.” Henry says, smug, holding in a smile.

“Don’t you have a third rhyme?” Purple says.

Erinyes smiles.

“My gall bladder is about to break in— Into my poo?” Henry says, grimacing.

“And you? Miss displeased.” Henry says.

“It’s mister.” Raphael says.

Henry frowns. “Are you going to be sticking around?” He asks.

The man smirks.

Samantha frowns.

“Woot woot wheee. Legends roam free.” Henry says, leaping, tapping his heals. “My master waits for me up ahead.” He says.

Raphael frowns.

“Your master will see you dead.” He says.

“Whoot whoot whee whee. The heavens have nothing on me.” Henry says, twirling like a ballerina, making his exit.

Samantha frowns.

Rosalie looks away.

Erinyes grins.

Purple raises an eyebrow.

“Where are you going?” Aquaboy asks.

Henry continues forwards. “I can’t see.” He says.

“The heavens must change.” Purple calls out.

Henry bows his head. “East to West. Heaven awaits ahead.” He says.

Samantha squints her eyes.

Rosalie closes her eyes, her hands reaching for a softness.

Henry licks his lips.

Goku frowns.

Stanza X

Goku headbuts Henry in the face. “Bitch. Bow. Gatekeeper number 3, you won’t get past me.” He says.

Henry feels his head swell. “There is an ache in my pants,” he says.

Johnny takes out his penis and takes a piss. “Hmm. Was this too soon?” He asks.

Johnny waves his wand around. “And this I say to thee. This is, it is the road to the devil.” He says.

Henry nods his head. “That’s right. What can spectrum buy me?” He asks.

“Not enough to pass.” The fae call out.

Henry shakes his head. “What can god buy me.” He says.

Goku shakes his head. “What can eternity buy you?” He says.

Henry shakes his head. “Scale? The question?” He says.

“For the tumblrina.” The fae call out.

Goku frowns. “What can eternity buy?” He questions.

Henry pulls out his dick. “Put that back in.” The fae call out.

“Eternity is not enough.” The tumblrina calls out.

“A lifetime?” Henry asks.

The tumblrina blushes.

Rosalie frowns. “Your eternity is worth one session.” She says.

Samantha frowns. “What does spectrum buy?” She asks.

“It buys you an in.” Johnny says.

“Maybe a good word.” Henry says.

“A gentle word.” Goku says.

“What does history buy you.” The tumblrina asks.

Henry thinks about it.

Rosalie smirks.

“History buys you a lifetime.” Johnny says.

“Hmm.” The fae say.

“What does fox say?” A man asks.

“What does Sparky say?” Henry asks.

“Ah. Assigning roles. Terrible.” The fae say.

“From East to West, I have waited.” Henry calls out.

“Maybe its time to settle. The path to my master is still long. But I yearn for rest.” Henry says.

“I can still go further.” Goku says.

“As can I.” Henry says.

“Rosalie?” The fae asks.

She turns her head away.

“As I can.” Samantha calls out.

“Alas, you cannot stay here, Henry. The game has begun.” Purple says.

Henry continues onward.

“Well I guess I can read it.” The tumblrina says.

“Some things I don’t follow.” Samantha says.

“You know what you need to know.” Goku says.

“What’s a turd worth.” A man says.

Johnny lets out a sigh and takes out his penis.