In the Darkness

I'll give you a quarter to go into the cavern,
to seek out the monsters in the plummeting black.
Inch by inch pushing your feet to new regions,
hands blindly feeling each invisible crag,
wandering deep as your frightened breath quickens,
imagining the death just beyond your frail reach!

I'll give you a dollar to call from the darkness,
describing the fears that haunt you within,
the tremors you feel with each twisting and turning,
the terror that grips you with every slight breeze.
Shout out to those nervously guarding the entrance,
how right they were to stay shivering behind.

I'll give you a kingdom when you return from your journey,
the conquering hero come back safe to your kin,
shaken in spirit but never yet broken,
changed by the horror but still terribly alive,
plagued by nightmares of a night without ending,
stronger in heart, an example to all.

I'll give you a soul if you can explain to your children,
what manner of person could do what you did,
to muster such courage as lurked in your spirit,
and face the worst fears the abyss could inspire,
mapping the secrets of a land deeply hidden,
and finding it safe ... to leave.