When Silence Wept

"The Lord of Gifts"

Hear now the tale of whispered lies,
Of silver words and blinded eyes.
A stranger came with gifts in hand,
A master of craft, both wise and grand.

He spoke of peace, of golden days,
Of mighty works and guiding ways.
No sword he bore, no war he waged,
Yet hearts were won, and oaths were made.

He forged great rings, so strong, so bright,
To shape the world, to set it right.
Who would refuse such noble grace,
A fate made fair, a time embraced?

But gifts once given bore hidden chains,
And trust once placed was all in vain.
The earth was torn, the skies turned black,
No home was left, no path led back.

The towers fell, the cities burned,
The rivers ran with blood they earned.
The proud were bent, the free enslaved,
And none remained who could be saved.

For when at last the truth was known,
Their will was not their own.

So heed this tale and look with care-
Not all who give do so to share.
For when the cost is seen too late,
The hand you clasp may seal your fate.