I am standing in the middle of darkness.

I can see nothing but the blackness that engulfs me.

From out of this nothing, from all around me, come forms

   from the pits of my deepest nightmares.

I look around me, and see that I am utterly alone.

I draw my weapons, salute the horrors that converge

   upon me, and attack.  

I know not whether I shall win or lose.  

I fight knowing that to give up without fighting

   was never an option, aware that I can no longer run.

                       
--The Wandering Bard--