Midnight at The Lake

Twelfth Stanza

But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling
I am so close to the woods, but the chill in my unread bones has slowed me. I think of freedom, and an unlikely smile graces my lips. Clap clap

Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door
'You have made it far, and you are strong. I am impressed, my prize.' Hansel waltzed forward, lightly clapping at my progress. My heart would stop if I had one. As is, the box continues to spin, digilently, though my body is running out of water. Unff

Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore
Hansel lifted me from the ground, his soft lab coat becoming muddied. I whimpered as he brushed a hair from my face tenderly, and pushed away from him as he leaned towards my face. Chuckle

What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Though much older than I, Hansel definitely was not lacking in strength. His graying hair fell into his eyes as he tried again to kiss me. His lips claimed mine hungrily, and a wave of nausea rushed through me. When he pulled away, he had a grin stretching across his gaunt face. Sigh

Meant in croaking 'Nevermore.'
'We will have to work on that. Worry not, my sweet. I have years of experience in courting and kissing. You will come around.' Hansel's rough hand stroked my lip, but I shut my eyes tight and used my hands to cover my bare breasts. 'Never.' I whispered, barely more than a breath, as my box shut down. Clunk, clunk