Death's Door

caves of agony hold my captured force fed form weapons befriend and kill me blood sport brings death's teeth the desiccating sun burns my short sword and shield hold sway what care I for wealth freedom but a word unclaimed a surly jest made by God's only through death freed may Hades receive my hosts coin less beggars to Charon* fodder for hells cages I as they will live victim and victor dancing savior and devil howl "nay!" for winning means hell scared gladiator rise again your feathered helmet gleaming victory or death *Charon is the boat man who ferries the death to Hades/ Hell but he will not cross your soul without being paid.