The False One

The False One laid out his offering for the Children. He laid out His Goods on a gilt rug at the top of a Stair. There was His Tempter's Ambrosia And His sweet and sleepy Perfume. The False One would smile to see his Goods enjoyed. Then He would speak to the child And sparks would leap between His fingertips as if to accentuate His words And the child would recognize His speech as the Benevolent Truth. He would lead them alone along a Dark Labyrinth To a Soft Place, A Place of Comfort and Light With a scent of fruit Or chocolate Or mint. The child would see the other Children And need no introduction. Then the Child Residents would gather 'round, The False One at the Center. And He would give his anticipated Lesson, Speaking slowly so the boys and girls caught every word. The Child Converts were content in this way Though the World was hidden from them. It would grow Dark And as if the truth were to be revealed, The False One motioned the Children to Sleep. As they slept supine with grandiose dreams He crept up on silent feet and, After a gaze upon His Choice, His mouth would open wide, Wide and deep, And He would stuff the child down His Gullet, His False Salvation. In such a way did He save the Children By the days and the weeks and the years As the Stars rotted above them.