Solomon Kane at Drake's Black Swan

RETURN OF THE RAVEN

the lonely raven watched
the sad little girl
who only sat and cried
she cried because
she was not loved
and soon would surely die
this in turn
caused the raven sorrow
thus off he flew
into the broad blue sky
he flew higher
and yet higher still
the raven didn't come down
until the day
after tomorrow
and then
long did he drink
from a clear running stream
he sighed as he ruffled
long black feathers
that darkly gleamed
until at last
he swore an oath
to the Gods of all flying things
to nevermore observe
little girls
nor to endure their crying


Kirby O'Donnell

pungent alleyway
much to late and cloaked
in the blackness of night
a scattering of stars
provide scarce light
then the flash of a sword
a scream of stark fright
a pistol shot shatters
the frailness of quiet
and he sets to flight
one Kirby O'Donnell
seeker of ancient
treasures, forbidden sights
with gun or deadly knife
he fights for his right
to creep through mysterious
Afghan villages
and foreboding cold hills
he wants the riches of old
or the red thrills promised
to the clever and bold
strong is the arm
and quick is the eye
the feared fear him
while lithe women sigh
for his touch
or his coin
they pray and they cry
but he leaves all to soon
for gold or gems
off he rides
Turks hunt in vain
because its a game
played in the east
and the shadows
everyday pushing harder
straining forward
in their saddles
fallen ruins are his stage
where the glimmer
of old coin can be found
he gathers it all
and escapes without sound
no stranger to death
bloodletting or strife
in one hand is a sword
and in the other
the knife
he dreams like a warrior
and loves like a thief
very broad in the shoulder
his promises he keeps
but mostly to himself
adventure in his call
and fighting his fame
let Satan pay the piper
and those fool enough
to chase him
may they all
come down lame