Manifest

The darkness in the woods was deep, the death of daylight now complete, the gates were shut to the castle keep, soon all the folks were fast asleep. Deep in the forest, something stirred, it had a voice, but spoke no words, black eyes shiny, like a bird, it moved about, almost unheard. High in an oak tree sat an owl, his brow was furrowed, his face a scowl, he sensed the beast was on the prowl and listened for his eerie howl. And when it came, all creatures froze, some men awakened from their doze, the hair upon their necks arose, they felt their hearts drop to their toes. The beast exhaled a putrid sigh and set his sights on who would die, as storm clouds chased across the sky, his ears picked up a baby's cry. Morning came, a bloody dawn, a mother screamed, her baby gone, though castle walls were thick and strong, no walls could stop the devil's spawn. The beast drew power from their fear, ounce for ounce and tear for tear, hate and prejudice keep him near, and he grows stronger every year. So fill your hearts with love once more, soothe the sick and help the poor, let God's love fill you to the core, and be careful what you're wishing for.