The Entrance Poem by Tadej Blažic

1.
There, where the roots of ancient willows clasp the Kings of Soil,
Here, where Seraphims perch on branches, born from broken skies,
where Lust fuels the pyres of perished mortal coils,
I have woken up from a frozen dream, long lost in lies.

2.
My eyes desperately sought shapes of familiar matter,
before me an archway of beaten gold stood mighty grand,
with hand and mind I pried it open; light like a feather,
tactile as stone, which unravelled itself onto the land.

3.
The luscious park heaved lightly with the warmth of dusk and stars,
a solid stone wall stalked me as a curious dog does;
I could have counted millenia on it's mossy scars,
not beaten by swords, nay, scarred by jealous lovers in lust.

4.
Intrigued, I followed it's sleek spine adorned with a granite shelf,
a slope, then the gracious neck twisted around the top,
forming a Dragon's head, voraciously eating itself.

5.
Perspicuously, my perception pungently popped,
under the gloomy archway a delicate bog formed,
and out of it a sobbing gentleman in Black arose;
in gesture exquisite-in manner, composed.

6.
If midnight was a cape; darker his vest was than the night,
such curious features have not seen I in my living day,
though meticulous details captivate the one in blight,
snapped was I out of my dazed state with what he had to say:

7.
'Indulge me, dear sir, how may I be of service? ' he asked,
Inquired gently with no harm in his heart, not obscure
was, the least malevolent, in his intent: silence last.
Though the low howl of his voice my interest did allure.

8.
'Dear creature of marvel' in surprise I stifled a cry,
' in need I am of shelter, though my path I, alas, forgot! '
then recomposed-and eagerly awaited his reply.
'Lost are we? ' this one, playfully: 'Dear sir, well that is not! '
Glad was I that my annoyance seemed amusing to Him.

9.
'Fear not, we shall offer you sanctuary for tonight.'
Turned did he to open the immense door made out of oak,
'Come sir, come! ' he enticed me, 'there is shelter, food and light! '
I could perceive music inside and smell tobacco smoke.

10.
Then, a slight shiver; the Dragon's eyes looked at me, I swear!
though my rush unnerving to the servant I could not bear.

11.
'Accept do I your invite; the horses of Pluto charge,
darkness they haul behind and recover must I my nerves.'
With formidable force the great door opened wide and large,
then he replied: 'In our House every guest gets what he deserves.'

12.
There are forces at work, which I yet do not comprehend.
Or perhaps my host used a marvelous sleight of hand,
I shall investigate what transpires beyond this door,
Enter, foolish mortal! You shall feel the warmth of day,
no more.