At the edge of the Dark Forest stands,

beings with eyes searching for help yet,

they get none as they fall to their immediate deaths.

No one can save them.

Thump.

Thump.

* * *

Faces contorted in fear, twisted manic smiles,

emit a laugh that only sounds insane but,

they have no control over their bodies.

They run, arms flailing behind them,

bare feet pushing against the ground,

thorns digging into their skin,

tearing, bleeding, but not even that will stop them,

but no!

They have no control as they run,

manic smiles turn to faces twisted half in fear,

but they cannot scream.

Such insanities burst out of the Dark Forest and,

stillness basks the main dirt path,

and watching villagers wouldn't dare breathe.

Thump.

Thump.

What the eyes see do not register to the brain,

as their fleshy, blood dripping faces,

fall to the ground like masks torn off.

Villagers watching gasp and hide into their houses

afraid, but still peeking through the curtains.

The beings fall into their faces,

blood reeks its iron scent all around.

Thump.

Thump.

Each being that rushes through the Dark Forest,

stops abruptly before the edge.

Still, unmoving for a few seconds,

and,

their faces fall, torn from their heads.

Then, the bodies follow.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Too many to count.

Too many casualties.

At the edge of the Dark Forest lies,

beings freshly killed in pure brutality.

Their blood seeps into the ground,

and something stirs at the border

of forest and path.

Something too dark to speak of,

and too twisted to understand.