i, you, & them

the light beyond the tunnel

i stare at the light just in front
a couple miles ahead, 'tis a long walk
but there's a train coming by
'bout to give me a ride
tells me "it's free 's'long as i'll have to die
and i look up at the man just above
he's got sharp eyes, sharp teeth and sharp cogs
he gives me a grin that sends down chills
but i nod and take his offer still

the ride's short but about half an hour
and there i meet someone
a man my age with no hair
he tells me his job's been the same
looking after the coals of the train
and that for me he genuinely cares
and i ask him,
"what happens when we reach the light?"
he tells me,
"miss, the day will turn to night
as nightmares fester into your reality
and change your point of view
you'll wish you'd changed your mind
to ride with us too soon"
and the man my age seems to disintegrate
and in fear i stay in place
the outside turns dark and
we're nearing just a mile
but i stand my ground as the heat
begins to escape
my hands become numb
and as i look at them with glazed eyes
blood begins to pour out
i want to stop it
i want to scream
but this is what i wanted
i asked for this in the first place
so i shake hands with the man my age
who now looked unwell
and look on to the light that's coming my way