Something Walks

The cry goes out,
Ware! Ware!
Echos on every hoofbeat.
Voices whisper,
Ware! Ware!
As the minotaur walks the street.

Whispers run together, create a roar.
Do they think I cannot hear?

The monster comes,
Ware! Ware!
Pass the warning on before.
Tell the others,
Ware! Ware!
Beware the minotaur.

What have I done to merit this?
I've not laid hand to sword.
Nor raised my voice, nor shown my teeth,
So why the sounds of fear?

The brute approaches,
Ware! Ware!
Remember the beast's appetite.
Women get back,
Ware! Ware!
Hold your children close and tight.

My people and yours were once enemies,
Yes, this I know is true.
But past is past and we live now,
The war is generations dead.
I do not know you, you know not me,
So why the angry looks?

Men be brave,
Ware! Ware!
Those eyes burn a savage light.
Show no fear,
Ware! Ware!
Faces glare and fists grow tight.

What ails these people?
What madness this?
They close like sharks at frenzy.
Their eyes are crazed,
Their reason fled,
Like rabid hounds they bay.
They listen not, I've done no wrong!
I came peacefully enough.

The cry goes out,
Ware! Ware!
There is fighting in the street.
The creature roars,
Ware! Ware!
Metal rings as the swords meet.

Where is your honor, human judge?
And yours, human jury?
Do you not have eyes to see?
The truth is right before you.
Attacked without cause, without cause I say!
I only defended myself.

The beast is fierce,
Ware! Ware!
Those sharp and brutal horns.
The demon fights,
Ware! Ware!
And then a village mourns.

The cowards came on in a howling mob,
Because they numbered many.
They called for my blood, though my only crime,
It seems was my birth.

The men were brave,
Ware! Ware!
They piled into the fray.
Their voices raised,
Ware! Ware!
They'll never see another day.

Made blind by fear, made blind by hate.
I was merely traveling by.

You call for justice,
Ware! Ware!
Do not in a mirror gaze!
Else you see,
Ware! Ware!
The monster you seek to slay.