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just a note: i didn't write this, i found it in a book of my mom's Dreams From R'yl'eh. i really like it...
1.
The road was long and the road was hard
And the sky was cold and grey:
The dead white moon was a frozen shard
In the dim pale dawn of day:
But theif and harlot, king and guard-
Warrior, wizard, knave and bard-
Road with me all the way.

2.
The wind was as sharp as a whetted knife
As it blew from the wet salt seas:
The storm wind blew to ghostly life
The gaunt black skeletal trees:
But I drank the foaming wine of life-
Wine of plunder and lust and strife-
Down to the bitter lees.

3.
A boy, from the savage north I came
To cities of silk and sin:
With torch and steel, in blood and flame,
I won what a man may win:
Aye, gambled and won at the Devil's game-
Splendor and glory and glittering fame-
And mocked at Death's skull-grin.

4.
And there were foemen to fight and slay
And friends to love and trust:
And crowns to conquer and toss away
And lips to taste with lust:
And songs to keep black night at bay-
And wine to swill to the brink of day-
What matter the end be dust?

5.
I've won my share of your gems and gold
The crumble into clods:
I've gorged on the best that life can hold,
And Devil take the odds:
The grave is deep and the night is cold-
The world's a skull-full of stinking mould-
And I laugh at your little gods!

6.
The lean road slunk through a blasted land
Where the earth was parched and black:
But we were a merry, jesting band
Who asked no easier track.
Rogue and reaver and firebrand
And Death rode at my back.

7.
The road was dusty and harsh and long-
Crom, but a man gets dry!-
I'm old and weary and Death is strong
But flesh was born to die:
Hai, Gods! But it was a merry throng-
Rode by my side with jest and song-
Under an empty sky.

8.
I've heard fat, cunning priestling's tell
How damned souls writhe and moan:
That paradise they can buy and sell
For gold and gold alone:
To the flames with scripture and priest as well-
And dice for the Devil's thrown!

9.
I faced Life boldly and unafraid-
Should I shirk as Death draws near?
Life's but a game Death and I have played
Many a wearisome year:
Hai! To the gallant friends I made-
Slave and Swordsman and lissome maid!-
I begrudge no foot on the road I strayed-

The road which endeth <span id="test19891191">. . .</span><br/><div id="post19891191" style="display:none; margin-right:75px;"> here.</div>