Call of the Wandering Soul - Charge of the Ivan 10/2/22

The Charge of the Ivan
by Sorrel, lady Darkfire

Just a step, then a step,
One more step onward,
All in the forest of Death
 Stalked fearless Ivan.
“Forward, as the trees block my way,
Charge at the eyes!” did he say.
Into the forest of Death
 Stalked fearless Ivan.

“Forward, ‘gainst skull and bones!”
Did he wish he'd gone home?
Not though bold Ivan knew
    Small chance of surviving.
His not to weep and cry,
His not to reason why,
His but to do and die.
    Into the forest of Death
    Stalked fearless Ivan.

Claws to right of him,
Claws to left of him,
Claws in front of him
    Bit like Mike Tyson;
Slashed at with branch and bough,
Boldly he fought somehow,
Flew to the jaws of Death,
Battled the mouth of hell
    Fought fearless Ivan.

Flashed all his axes bare,
Flashed as they sliced the air
Chopping the monster there,
    Fighting a demon, while
    The party was rising.
Squeezed in the creatures grip
Crushed from head to hip;
Monster trees felt him rip
    Curved the horizon.
    Then he strode back, but not
    The same fearless Ivan.

Claws to right of him,
Trees to left of him,
Skull down behind him
    No longer would frighten;
Stormed at with beast and tree,
Wounded from head to feet.
Somehow he’d made it free
    Came through the forest of Death,
    Back from the mouth of hell,
    All that was left of him,
    Limped mighty Ivan.

When can his glory fade?
O the wild fight he made!
    Endlessly striving.
Honour the contrarian!
Honour the barbarian,
    Noble young Ivan!

*entirely invented from scratch. Any similarity to Tennyson purely accidental.