Poetry collection

[corncobman]

Pg 358

Swede Release

Lalli clutches his dinky wee blade,
Wondering what the beast is now doing.
Emil approaches on tip-toes, now unafraid,
To finish off this dog that was pursuing.

He stretches his arm to hold Lalli back,
And pulls out his larger knife, hilted black.
He asks for the beast to not run away now,
Before he has delivered the blow that slays.

The beast without sound as the Swede advances,
The audacious Emil willing to take his chances.
Emil moves closer, the beast laying still.
Knife in position to plunge for the kill.

----------------------------------------------

Please Release Me lyrics by Eddie Miller
(with a few small changes)

Please release me, let me go
For I'm no doggy any more
To let me live would be a sin
Release me and let me sleep again

I have found you again, friend
And I want you to bring my end
Your heart is warm while mine is cold
Release me my hunter, let me go

Please release me, let me go
For I'm no doggy any more
To let me live would be a sin
So release me and let me sleep again

Please release me, can't you see
Don't be a fool, just set me free
To live this life would bring me pain
So release me and let me sleep again

Let me sleep
Let me go

[Noxyoursox]

Alone
By Snow Cat (page 358)

My feet are weary from the chase
My fur bedraggled, streaked with blood
My rotten eyes stare from my face
My tail drags limply in the mud

What drew me here, I do not know
A dream of being left alone
Your voice did gentle mercy show
And pierce my spirit to the bone

So now down at your feet I lay
And face the light that I once fled
Perhaps your kindness I'll repay
When you join me among the dead



The Noise
By Snow Cat (335)

Through the dark drizzle
A lost cat mrows forlornly
Crouched over kittens

[MegaJar]

Untitled Poem by MegaJar (me) -- Page 358
------------------------------------------

Limping from the rainy dark,
Comes a poor, bedraggled hound.
Once alive with happy barks,
Now lies prone upon the ground.

As the dog within the beast
Strains to hold the Rash at bay,
Seeking only sweet release
From the pain endured each day.

Closer creeps our stalwart friend,
Holding tight his trusty knife,
Hoping now to finally end
This poor creature's tortured life.

Now strike true, oh gallant Swede,
With your blade so sharp and strong.
Grant this dog the peace he needs,
Peace denied him for so long.

[corncobman]

Pg 359

Drop the Dagger

Out here in the rain,
Aim true, for the brain.
Don't wait, don't waver.
Will be doing a favour.

Plunge the knife in,
Free beast from its sins.
With sickening sounds,
Freeing the beast-hound.

Brave cleanser Swede,
Did the merciful deed.
With a sanguine stream,
Return to the dream.

Our stricken dog friend,
Met its journey's end.
With beast finally dead,
His knife covered in red.

Emil stands like a rock,
Eyes agape, full of shock.
Now the deed is done,
He has finally won.

Lalli watched far away,
Then unwilling to stay.
With nothing more to do,
Goes to rejoin the crew.

---------------------------

I'm Free by the Who (with a few small changes)

I'm free, I'm free
This freedom tastes so bittersweet
I'm free, I'm free
Now I'm waiting for you to bury me

If she told you what it takes
To kill the toughest troll
You'd laugh and say 'nothing's that simple'
But you've been sick many times before
Beast-dog chased you through the door
And no-one knew that you'd be sentimental

I'm free, I'm free
This freedom tastes so bittersweet

I'm free, I'm free
Now I'm waiting for you to bury me

Bury me, fellow...
Bury me, fellow...

[LooNEY_DAC]

Pg 359, inspired by panel 5:

The dog stretched out before me
I knew what it desired
What is this I have done?

Though when I saw this foe last
Howling did it fly off
The dog stretched out before me

The knife slid truly downward
Bone, flesh and brain did yield so
What is this I have done?

I half-thought it a Beast trap
I had not thought to find
The dog stretched out before me

The new-freed blood was dark red
In its gouting spurt out
What is this I have done?

Now I stand above the corpse
The bloody knife drips on
The dog stretched out before me
What is this I have done?

[corncobman]

Pg 360

Rain Rain Go Away, Bury Beast Another Day

The deed is now done.
Too big to bury.
In the dark, all alone.
He has to be wary.

Be back at sun-up,
He promised the hound.
To bury the pup, now
Too wet for a mound.

Back to the cat-tank,
Lalli waits for the Swede
He has Emil to thank,
For performing this deed.

Time for some resting,
Perhaps time for bed.
Or take care of the kitten
With the heart on its head.

Next day, bury the kill,
Whatever it may take.
Hope it'll be there still
When all of them wake.

[corncobman]

Page 361

Talk Blocked

So as they walk,
The chapter ends,
Lalli almost talked
To his kind-of friend.

His mouth open wide,
But only let out a puff.
Did he want to confide,
Or was it only a bluff?

Emil looks at him
Almost expectantly.
No words coming from
The human feline Lalli.

As they make their way
To the vehicle of theirs,
Mikkel outside stayed
For the straggling pair.

So a page or two more,
Then the time that we hate.
A week or two break for
The next chapter, that's eight.

-------------------------------

Speak to Me by Gene (with a few small changes)

When darkness folds
Across this old sky
Yes, please open up
For me that night

But still shadows they come
Am I safe with my knife?
Can I be your source
Of strength tonight?

I'll wait for the day
When you creep through the doorway and save me
Smash into my life and now save me
Don't set me free
Oh I've waited too long and I'm dying
Speak unto me Lalli and save me
Speed into this life and now save me
Save me
Save me

When darkness folds
Across this old sky
Yes, please open up
For me that night

But still shadows they come
Am I safe with my friend?
Can I be your source
Of nerve tonight?

I'll wait for the day
When you creep through the window and save me
Smash into my life and now save me
Don't set me free
Oh I've waited too long, yes I'm dying
Speak unto me Lalli and save me
Speed into this shell and now save me
Save me
Save me

Ho - NO

Can you tell me
Will you ever speak again?

NO

In your mouth
I now know that you're dumb again
You're dumb again
You're dumb again
You're dumb again

I'm drunk for your words
Speed into my life
Speak to me now
Just speak to me Lalli
For I know you cat
And I am your friend

-------------------------

Sleep Well Tonight by Gene
(with changes by request)

It's the end of the stage
Tomorrow a new page
It may not be much, but it's enough
Yet the only sound from the Finn was a puff
We'll bury soon, when the night's through

Still you can have it all
There's darkness that befalls
Get some sleep now and we'll show them
This is our mission bus, this land belongs to us
Why don't they understand but I'm a brave man?
So come take my hand

And sleep well tonight
Tomorrow we fight
Oh, would you like it Lalli?
As the thunder booms by
So rest this wet night
We've got so much more to see

Oh, now that everybody knows
All about me
Oh, I've been rumbled, I've been sold
Born with plenty, now left all empty

You can have it all
There's darkness that befalls
Get some shut eye and and we'll get by
But still trouble rolls from the beasts and the trolls
Why don't they understand but I'm a brave man?
So come take my hand

And sleep well tonight
Tomorrow we fight
Oh, would you like it Lalli?
As the thunder booms by
So rest this wet night
Got so much more to see

Oh, now that everybody knows
All about me
Oh, I've been rumbled, I've been sold
Born with plenty, now left all empty

Now sleep well tonight
Tomorrow we fight
Oh, would you like it Lalli?
Oh, as the thunder booms by
So rest this wet night
Got so much more to see

Oh, now that everybody knows
All about me
Oh, I've been rumbled, I've been sold
Born with plenty, now left all empty

[Fogtreader]

Haiku per page for Chapter 7. Half of these were posted in the comments sections of their corresponding pages. At current there are 16,  pages missing from the list. I will update them as they develop. 8-3-15: now 11 pages missing.

p. 301
Share a quiet walk
Below the footsteps of fear
In the view of fate.

p. 302
Hunting through the waste
Unseen threats hasten the task
No place for kittens.

p. 303
Where are you pretty?
Cold fear snakes along the spine
It will have you soon.

p. 304
Stay put for a while
The danger may still return
A blast to the face.

p. 305
No kid gloves for thought
Careful for rough opinions
Sting like callused hands.

p. 306
It’s hard to be nice
A soft jab, jibe or offer
Gets left out to dry.

p. 307
Friends aren’t made at once
Eager and strong effort turns
Good intentions foul.

p. 308
Peace, though much wanted
Is a small reward when earned
At a sorry price.

p. 309
Time to sleep or dream
Swaddled in uncertainty
Helping hands far away.

p. 310
Stepping through the past.
Where memories scarred with holes
Now just rusts in peace.

p. 311
You don’t need top grades
One way to get into school
Is break down the door.

p. 312
p. 313
p. 314
p. 315

p. 316
Stay your hand and look
The eyes show where danger lurks
It is in your fear.

p. 317
Frozen by wonder
As it passes in surprise
Swift and soft as dreams.

p. 318
On a phantom ship
Moored against a backward tide
Your mind turns strange stars.

p. 319
p. 320
p. 321
p. 322
p. 323
p. 324

p. 325
Though it does seem rude
Having uninvited guests
May dampen spirits.

p. 326

p. 327
Tiptoe though ripples
‘Till lost to a wall of fog
Stranger dreams arrive

p. 328
A flash of anger
Where dreams so quickly forget
Jogs one’s memory

p. 329
Unexpected news
Brings forth some more questions
Demanding entrance.

p. 330
A reunion stalled
To ponder over troubles
Of foreign nature

p. 331
As they watch nonplussed
Soft this new face fades with thanks
His fear becomes triumph.

p. 332
Privacy regained
Onni takes command again
Lalli’s way is closed.

p. 333
Trees keep silent watch
As cousins hold grim council
Nameless dread returns.

p. 334
Thoughts turn to allies
Friends perhaps, whose chief concern
Falls with the gray rain.

p. 335
Emil heed your ears
Though wet you must follow them
Where the gloom clings thick.

p. 336
It’s just like training
Listen, know your foe, and look,
Now are you ready?

p. 337
Whilst you have pity
Look into Misery’s eyes
Tongue tastes of copper.

p. 338
Two faces square off
And test their nerve to survive
Only death shall rain.

p. 339
Despite exhaustion
Apologies are spurned when
Torn apart with hate.

p. 340
Now I rend myself.
See what you did? You hurt me.
Look at me damn you!

p. 341
Seems not like courage
But a great fear that dogs us
Is to call for help.

p. 342
Missing in action
Misdirection so blindly
Misses the target.

p. 343
Stay those fevered jaws
A bit of sunlight can change
Your troubled vision.

p. 344
Burnt exhausted pained
Pull covers over your neck
And succumb to dreams.

p. 345
Suddenly alone
The cold return of silence
Haunts the forgotten.

p. 346
The fear walks away
Leaving all our angry fire
Sodden with defeat.

p. 347
Rest and change your mind
To look up is to look down
Find hope somewhere else.

p. 348
We can only rage
As our inept hands just watch
Things pass quietly.

p. 349
Weariness succeeds
When every fight is tallied
And taken as red.

p. 350
To count one success
When faced with so much failure
Is the victor’s choice.

p. 351
Two tasks just as hard,
Untangling curls of flame,
Catching fading dreams.

p. 352
Practice makes perfect
For events you do expect
This is not a drill.

p. 353
Beneath a calm mask
Not all quiet is peaceful
When worry lies still.

p. 354
Sympathy’s faces
May sit beside each other
Yet remain strangers.

p. 355
No comfort taken
Walls confound and stones cover
Small short-lived merits.

p. 356
I don’t understand
But I choose to stand with you
Let’s look through the storm.

p. 357
Sweet boy, I return
Come close, let us end this rite
Tonight as promised.

p. 358
Peace approaches now
Through the weary evening gloom
With a blade of light.

p. 359
Courage followed through
Just one red streamer lauds it
It’s cold, let’s move on.

p. 360
Soft, bright cat ears hear
This eulogy and promise
I’ll come back to you.

p. 361
Time to sleep for now
Dawn skulks behind the walls
Washing out our lights.

The following were alternate haiku that did not make it into the comments.

326 alt
When in others’ dreams
Do watch out for punching trees
I’m jus’ passin’ by.

343 alt
Slow your blind pursuit
Let the sun clear your fever
Look before you bite.

348 alts
There are those who watch
Hating their own helplessness
Knowing well our rage.

The helpless just look
As we howl with useless rage
At things we can’t change.

351 alt
Unbind and arise
Attempt the impossible
Catch a fading dream.

358 alt
Fate seldom offers
One more chance to do it right
Make a good final cut.

[corncobman]

Emil Peon (based on Olympian by Gene by request)

Give me something I can stab
Take all the books I can grab
Make me crazy with your hair
It's all gone hazy, it's all gone wrong
How can I decline the hair that shines
I'm relieved that your blade
Was coming to my aid
Emil peon, hair of gods
So bring me sparkles to cool off
How can I decline the hair that shines
I'm relieved that your blade
Was coming to my aid
How can we survive this world that lies?
And I'm flattered that you stabbed
I can eat cookies I've grabbed
Formidable but not afraid
Of the next world, just delayed

[repeats]
I, I wanted to be there with you
For I can only be normal with you
I, I've given my all for you
Now you, I wanted to be there with you
For I can only be normal with you
I, I've given my all for you
No, no

Emil peon, hair of gods
Whatever he brings
Will be gone

[corncobman]

Page 362

New-Found Beast Hound?

The beast Emil set free,
Was it seen before?
Not a Manalan Rakki
With disease-ridden sores.

Not an armoured Garm
With its tough bulky fur,
Aggressive, meaning harm,
A human hunting horror.

Not a passive Kyrkogrim
Standing guard for the dead,
It was a beast multi-limbed
Emil stabbed in the head.

It would be at times docile.
With a surprise in its back.
Then lunge at the prey while
Using its claws to attack.

It had some traits of one
And some of another.
Stopped in its tracks by sun,
It ran away out of cover.

This beast that they found,
Was it a new kind of breed?
To have put down that hound,
They were fortunate indeed.

[Brandenfascher]

Page 362, Parody of "Tale as old as Time"
---------------------
Beast as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then its body rends
Unexpectedly

Just a scary change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Emil and the Beast

Ever not the same
Ever a surprise
Emil so afraid
As he sunk his blade
Peaceful, the beast lies

Beast once old as time
Now with death belong
Bittersweet and strange
Emil had a change
Learning he was strong

Certain as Sigrun
Wolfing down a feast
Beast once old as yore
Now emblazoned lore
Emil and the Beast

[corncobman]

Pg 363

Stress-Free Kitty

What a cutey
Its tuna tea
Eating with glee
Happy kitty

Eyes wide, brightly
Wolfing carefree
Just food it sees
Happy kitty

Makes anyone squee
Sure you'll agree
Eats obliviously
Happy kitty

School escapee
Rescued lucky
Fortunate thee
Happy kitty

Hungry, happy
Feed merrily
Blessed it be
Happy kitty

New invitee
Crew honorary
For weeks we'll see
Happy kitty

---------------------------------

I Heart the Kitty (based on Take Back the City by Snow Patrol)

You heart the kitty for yourself tonight
Or I heart the kitty for me
You heart the kitty for yourself tonight
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

We know you put its life into your hands
And it’s both now safe, warm and dry
But now it’s time to help the kitty stand
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

All these days later and it’s killing me
Your broken records and words
The kitten's mother saved here it should see
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

No need to put potatoes into my mouth
Don’t need convincing at all
We save this animal we have no doubt
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

It’s a blessed
It’s a start
It’s a face with a heart
This kitty, its call
Wrapped in towels, so very small
Pick a dish, feed it fish
Got your medical wish
You can hug ‘til you drop
Cause the fun just never stops

I love this kitty tonight
I love this kitty always
It shows its eyes like a light
And eats fish with its cute ways
But we’re all gluttons for it
We fixed what’s wrong and it’s right
For every time it’s been hit
I heart the kitty tonight

Tell me you never wanted more from this
And I will stop talking now
One perfect kitten, in eternal bliss
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

You heart the kitty for yourself tonight
Or I’ll heart the kitty for me
You heart the kitty for yourself tonight
Whoa-o-o-o-whoa

It’s a blessed
It’s a start
It’s a face with a heart
This kitty, its call
Wrapped in towels, so very small
Pick a dish, feed it fish
Got your medical wish
You can hug ‘til you drop
Cause the fun just never stops

I love this kitty tonight
I love this kitty always
It shows its eyes like a light
And eats fish with its cute ways
But we’re all gluttons for it
We fixed what’s wrong and it’s right
For every time it’s been hit
I heart the kitty tonight

I love this kitty tonight
I love this kitty always
It shows its eyes like a light
And eats fish with its cute ways
But we’re all gluttons for it
We fixed what’s wrong and it’s right
For every time it’s been hit
I heart the kitty tonight

I heart the kitty tonight
I heart the kitty always
I heart the kitty tonight
I heart the kitty always

[Mikko]

Page 337

76. Something in the Darkness

Something in the darkness
making those noises
premonition whispering
eerie song of queasy strings in the mind.

Commanded, urged on by her, the captain
Emil goes, reluctant heart a-quiver
corridors of menace silent
rivulets of rain drops hide all.

Stepping there sets into motion events
innocent yet complicit
what ever dark is hiding, shadows shield,
might be born to this reality from gloom.

All the steps along the corridor
take closer to that impossible
snarling like brass in the ears
horrors all the mind can make.

Heart now pumping, pounding
like a drum, steady yet feverish
he steps on, the young man in apprehension
moving toward his fate, summoning it with his steps
as they recede
further and further
into rain
into dark
and
away
will
fade.

Finnish translation:
Jokin pimeydessä
saa aikaan nuo äänet
aavistus kuiskaa
mielessä levottomien jousien aavemainen laulu.

Kapteeninsa käskemänä, kannustamana
Emil menee, sydän väristen
uhkaavat käytävät ovat vaiti
sadepisaroiden virrat peittävät kaiken.

Astuen sinne hän asettaa liikkeelle tapahtumia
viaton, kuitenkin osallinen
mitä tahansa pimeys piilottaakin, varjot varjelevat,
se saattaa syntyä hämärästä todeksi.

Kaikki askeleet käytävää pitkin
vievät lähemmäs sitä mahdotonta
murisevat kuin vaskisoittimet korvissaan
kaikki kauhut joita mieli luoda voi.

Sydän hakkaa, takoo
kuin rumpu, tasaisen kuumeisesti
hän kulkee edelleen, vastentahtoisesti nuorukainen
kulkee kohti kohtaloaan, kutsuen sitä askeleillaan
kun ne etääntyvät
yhä kauemmas
sateeseen
pimeyteen
ja
haipuvat
pian
pois.

Page 336

77. Emil Races Fear
Mind racing races he now through the dark
with steps swift, silent forth he ever goes
sounds smallest ears so perked to hark
ready for anything, monster and foes.

Mewing aching, hissing, echo painful cries,
inner doubts and fears when Emil express tried
as from a doorway mournful moaning sighs
with finger in mid-air his monologue then died.

The mind with gnawing fears of unknown threat
excuses makes and seeks to run away
as boys there shrouded in the shreds of fret
denial horrors seeks to keep at bay.

What terrifying sight is there to see
as from the doorway steps to light of day
cold claws of fear to him they scream to flee
as hound so haggard stares he deathly grey.

Page 337

78. Mommy Kitty Up the Wall

When Emil heard the fateful call
peering through the doorway tall
saw the scene of savage brawl
and mommy kitty up the wall.

The situation looked quite dire
bloodied kitty in a spire
dog-like Rash beast jumping higher
did the poor cat eat conspire.

Emil's thought ran fleet and slick
realized the beast was sick
was reaction lightning quick
cocked his gun with one swift click

What will fate of poor cat be?
Will it ever kittens see?
Can it from this hell hound flee?
Will now Emil set it free?

Page 338

79. Like a Grosshound in the Wind
Parody of Candle in the Wind by Elton John

Goodbye Denmark's gross
May you ever fade from our hearts
You were the beast that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
You called out to our teammates
And you whispered in a lot of pain
Now you belong to heaven
And the stars spell out your name

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a grosshound in the wind
Ever fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here
Along Denmark's greyest hills
Your candle's burned out long before
Your legend ever will

Monstrous fiend we've lost
These empty days without your presence foul
This torch we'll always carry
For our nation's monster wild
And even though we try
The fear brings us to tears
All our words cannot express
The horror you brought us through the years

Goodbye Denmarks' gross
May you ever fade from our hearts
You were the troll that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
Goodbye Denmark's gross
From a team now lost without you foul
Who'll miss the fangs of your vile maw
More than you'll ever know
Who sees you as something more than bestial
More than just our grossling foe.

Page 339

80. Metal and Blood

Cold hard the sound of lead
the rat-tat-tat of the hail of metal.
Equally metallic is the scent of blood
small red rivers, tiny tributaries of pain.

Foul the screeching beast in agonies
paws gallop urgent message of suffering,
rain mixed with blood, pool with stench of iron,
a dance of crimson horror to behold.

The young man thinks of mercy in regret
yet does not know what will release this awful chrysalis
cocoon for internal terrors bred, an abomination
that claws itself from furs that once kept it.

Rain hammers and flesh's shadows open
clawing, ripping throught its suit of beast
emerges from the hollows a new ghastly being.
Will it feel the song of metal, will it lay down in a rain of lead?

81. To Christopher (in honour of Christopher Lee 1922-2015)

When dawn in England still was grey
this actor to us all so dear
on Sunday morn he went away,
a career long without a peer.

From Middle-earth to horror's heart
from epic grand to drama's thrill
through villain's role and hero's part
and many more he played with skill.

With gaffers, DPs, actors too,
with directors, producer folk,
with film buff many, fanboys true
in more than seven tongues he spoke.

A forceful glare, the kindly hand,
a mind that carried stories all;
a trumpet-voice, a burning brand,
true gentleman this modest, tall.

A lord of wisdom on/off-screen,
he seldom angered, always wise
an old man though he might have been
a spirit young was in his eyes.

He led a life of legend's true
expectations all still he defies;
in films and living shone it through
a soul that truly sought the skies.

The finest roles you've ever seen:
and some that better could have been,
He played them all now's time for rest
he'll sail on white ship to the West.

Page 341

82. The Spider-Dog in the Room

Skippity skip go the little legs
as Spider-Dog hunts its prey
the boy is running, help he begs
for doom has certain come his way.

The doom, the doom
from nightmare gloom
the Spider-Dog is in the room
he's bringing you the certain doom.

Panic-stricken heart is screaming
help is pleading horror harried
corridors these endless seeming
through on legs fleet Emil carried.

The doom, the doom
from nightmare gloom
the Spider-Dog is in the room
and bringing you the certain doom.

Spindly arms and legs a-skitter
Spider-Dog is hunting vicious
boy is fleeing hither tither
after him the beast malicious.

The doom, the doom
from nightmare gloom
the Spider-Dog is in the room
and bringing you the certain doom.

Page 344

83. Blinded by the Light
(Filk based on Bruce Springsteen and Manfred Mann song)


Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night.

Madman runners all the more
Swedes all in the corridor
with a teenage Cleanser here
Down the dumps with the humps
of the Rash-hound's bony back
Emil's way trying to track
With a boulder on his shoulder,
feelin' kinda older,

I tripped the merry-go-hound
With this very unpleasin',
sneezin' and wheezin,
the calliope crashed to the ground
The calliope crashed to the ground

Well it was...

Blinded by the light,
revved up like a deuce,
another runner in the night.

84.Sunbeam of Woe

Fast it was like in the flight is doe
but then confronted it deadly foe
its powers crippled, its gait was slow
pierced was by the Sunbeam of Woe.

Finally was it its time to go?
Haloed as it was by the glow
deadly light did about it flow
bit it deeply Sunbeam of Woe.

Immortal agony in death throe
bony its spines then weak would grow
ashes just ashes would wind thence blow
burned all to dust by Sunbeam of Woe.

Page 346

85. Sigrun's Call

Come down here now Mrs. Cat
softly climb back to the ground
don't be such a coward brat
gone away is that Rash-hound.

There's no need go up the wall
there now kitteh do not fear,
I have secured all this hall
evil beasties won't get near.

Come now, come here Mrs. Cat
why won't answer you to me
why are lying you there flat
you in shadows there I see.

Why would you here want to stay,
healer here I offer you,
we can do this the hard way
I'll climb up and pull you through.

Come now, come here Mrs. Cat
do we not have all this day
difficult can be you, drat!,
fine it wanted you this way!

I'll come get you from up there
wait up ma'm you'll be alright
I to safety you shall bear
even if me will you fight.

Page 352

86. Medic's Charge

"Help! Oh fire, murder, pain!
Medic! Quickly needed here!"
Sigrun coming through the rain
injured kitteh holding near.

"Alright children!" dad-mom says
"into isolation there!
neither out from safety strays
cleared until is all and fair."

"Oh you called a medic now?"
Mikkel into action springs.
healing, mending he knows how
with him all his gear he brings.

Stepped into the rain outside
Emil, Sigrun concerned sought
through the outpour sharply eyed
what had with them pair now brought.

Bandages he waved before him
needle, thread to sew the wound
was prepared he to safe life, limb
worst from Sigrun's cries assumed.

Out he called in apprehension
feared he worst for crewmates brave
"Medical who needs attention?!"
ready to his comrades save.

From the drizzle both came sprinting
Emil, Sigrun. And cats two!
Baffled there stood Mikkel squinting
felines, captain, young Swede too.

Page 353

87. Itty Bitty Wittle Kitty

Itty bitty wittle kitty
you are hurt and that's a pity
Silent world is cruel and gritty
and it always ain't so pretty.

Itty bitty wittle cat
sleeping under blanket flat
there beside young Emil sat
tried to feed the kit from vat.

Itty bitty wittle kitten
Emil with you might be smitten
it is all in his eyes written
as hopes food you would have bitten.

Itty bitty litte kit
there remain where you now sit
sleeping until you are fit
you'll feel better in a bit.

88. Emil's Kitten Lullaby

Hush, little kitty, don't make a sound
Emil's gonna stop that vile Rash-hound
And if that Rash-hound won't stay dead,
Emil's gonna pump it again full of lead.

And if that lead won't do its work
Emil's gonna try a big old dirk
And if Rash-hound escapes that blade
Emil's gonna start his own crusade.

Sleep little kitten, slumber deep
Emil's gonna stop that Rash-hound creep
And if it comes near just you see
Emil's gonna hang it from that tree.

And if that dog again tries to attack
Emil's gonna bravely with friends fight back
And if that fiend comes after you
Emil gonna go and run him through.

And if that mongrel still comes around
Emil's gonna drive it with Cat Tank to the ground
And you just stay there sleeping curled
You'll still be the sweetest kitten in the world.

Page 356

89. Spirit Departing

Piercing these veils
cat's spirit rising
toward heavens
in graceful circles.

Finally free now
from earthly woes
softly is treading
field of the skies.

Reaching her offspring
tenderly stroking
one that is living
existence's sole reason.

Bids silent farewell
blesses her child
spirit then fading
she leaves this world.

Quiet her departure
yet hunt continues
in the wider wilds
of happier heavens.

Page 358

90. Prayer of a Dying Beast

Rain washing feral sins away
night has come like friend at last
to end the agony I pray
this endless nightmare will be past.

Of Men and Beasts now sings the night
as weary world is closing in
as mercy given ends all fight
will dagger's edge erase all sin.

Oh sweet is from this time release
from place where raging hungers feed
with blade's cold kiss my life will cease
my spirit from this torment freed.

Now come avenger, Man, strike true
my soul longs, aches for sleep's embrace
as steel's keen edge now runs me through
I mayhaps sweeter dreams will face.

Page 361

91. Life Lessons

Illan hämyn harmaudessa
sadesäässä kalvakassa
seisoi Emil poika nuori
pohti syntyjä syviä
mietti kohtalon kovia
oppitunteja omia.

In the greyness of the twilight
in the rain in paleness pouring
there stood then young lad named Emil
pondering was deep he wisdom
burdens thought he of the fate and
those life lessons he had just learned.

Veitsi veikin hurtan hengen
katkoi köydet sielun mennä
kärsimyksistä karata.
Kuni antoi Mikkel armon
kissaemon kuolemalla
tuskat karkotti kamalat.

Knife took life from hound this evening
cut the bonds to let the soul free
torments all these thus escaping.
As did Mikkel mercy grant when
by the death of mother kitty
pains he baleful did thus banish.

Satehessa seisoi Lalli
ootti matkakumppalia
joka raihnan rakin riisti
hengen veipä veitsellänsä
rauhan antoi raukallekin
pedon päästi piinastansa.

Also in the rain stood Lalli
travelling companion waiting
who had taken from hound horrid
with his blade all life and spirit
peace to wretched had bestowed and
freed the beast from painful burden.

Tunsi hengen hämärässä
illan taivon tumman alla
koiran kaiken kaikkoavan.
Tunsi kuinka ystävänsä
Emil Ruotsin poika nuori
vaiti saapui surussansa.

Felt he spirit in the gloaming
under dark skies of the evening
of hound all departing switfly.
Felt he how his friend approaching
Emil young this son of Sweden
silent came to him in sorrow.

Vaan ei Lalli haastellutkaan
ilmaissutkaan ilmoillensa
tietäjän nuoren surua
huojennusta ystävälleen
huokas' hiljaa hyväksynnän
tervehtihe tuttuansa.

But then did not speak out Lalli
did not express his thought fully
all the sorrow of young wiseman
or relief to his friend utter
he just quiet sighed approval
greeted thus his good companion.

Oppi tuona yönä Emil
oppi vähän elämästä
kuolemasta karvan verran
oppi armosta hitusen
oppi vastuusta vähäsen
sielustansa suuret määrät.

Learned that night this young man Emil
Learned he lesson small of life and
understood of death one measure
learned of mercy he a portion
of responsibility and
of his soul had learned he much then.

Page 362

92. Hiiden Hurttien tarina / Tale of the Hounds of Hell

Tuli koirat Tuonelasta
saapui tänne hurtat Hornan
sikisivät soita myöte
kasvoivatpa kalmistoista
inehmoille turmioksi
kauhuksipa kansan kaiken.

Thus came dogs from lands of Tuoni
here arrived the the hounds of Horna
in the swamplands were all bred and
sprang they up from ground in lichyards
so to bring forth banes to mankind
horror to all living folk here.

Kiiri huuto, kaikui haukku
rakkein raivoin ravatessa
ihmisiä ahdistaissa
väen kanssa kamppaillessa.
Ivaa nauroi henget Hornan
herra Tuonelan hyrisi.

Heard was baying, echoed barking
raging on as ran these mongrels
humankind they struck with cold terror
were contending with all people.
Mocking laughed the evil spirits
Tuonela's was lord with mirth filled.

Nousi vastaan hurjain hurttain
joukko tietäjäin väkeväin.
Loitsut suuret silloin laati
laulut laski valloillensa
piskit pirun karkottivat
kammitsoivat kalman alle.

Rose against the hounds so horrid
company of mighty wisemen.
Spells of might by them deviced and
songs were unleashed full of power
thus they drove out dogs of devil
bound forever under death's seal.

Vaikka vaara vältettihin
paha päivä voitettihin
vielä jäivät vaivoiksemme
sillä virtas heissä henki
kuolematon kalman voima.

Though was danger then averted
evil hour thus was conquered
were here left to us now trouble
for was flowing through them spirit
death's was in then force immortal.

Kiven, korven, ruohon alla
pahuuden nuo pedot uinuu
kerran nousevat levosta,
yötpä täyttää karvas kauhu
päivät pelon, tuskan täydet,
kuni saapuu sankarimme
uudet petoin voittajiksi.

Under stone and wood and meadow
there they sleep the beasts of evil
will once more they rise from slumber
nights will fill with bitter terrors
days with fear and anguish crown'ed
ere new heroes will them conquer.

[corncobman]

Pg 364

Cold Cat-ch

A new cover for
Chapter upcoming.
What is in store?
What will it bring?

A scene in the snow,
Man alone wandering
And stopping below
Pods of red dangling.

Lalli's duties to scout
All weather, snow or rain.
In the cold, dark without
Objects hang inhumane.

A look of concern
Upon that Finnish face
A worse sort of turn,
What horrors encased.

Staring at, solemnly,
Those pods upon strings.
Indeed can he see
Inside, are there grosslings?

Anyway, more Lalli
This chapter brings
It can only be
A positive thing.

-----------------------------

Oh-No (based on Heigh-Ho from Snow White)

I sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak in my time the whole night through
To sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak is what I like to do
It ain't no trick to get done quick
If you sneak sneak sneak, with a rifle or a stick
In my time, in my time
Where a million trolls combine
I sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak from early dark till light
I sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak sneak on everything in sight
I sneak on beasties by the score
A hundred trollies, sometimes more
But we don't know what I'm sneakin' for
I sneak sneak sneak a-sneak sneak

Oh-noooooooo
Oh-noooooooo
Oh-no, oh-no, oh-noooooo

Oh-no, oh-no
Alone with splurk I go
*scream*
Oh-no, oh-no, oh-no, oh-no

Oh-no, oh-no
Alone with splurk I go
*scream*
Oh-no, oh-no

[Greenwood Goat]

Here is something else to tide you over the rest of the break, something I’ve been working on since Chapter 2. Some of you might even remember the initial draft of the first verse going up... but of course I had to wait for the rest of the cast to be introduced before I could finish it! It is based on Comedy Tonight, opening number from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. There may be an extra verse in there - some of the lyrics sites listed an extra fragment, which I used and expanded. Enjoy!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Safe Zone.

Our Company’s Alright

[LALLI]
Somewhere familiar,
Somewhere peculiar,
I can sleep anywhere:
I'm cat-napping alright!

Tuuri's enthusing,
Things are confusing,
But I'll sleep anywhere:
I'm cat-napping alright!

Nothing for dreams, nothing for cats;
Bring on the bedrolls, blankets and mats!

Old incantations,
New resting stations,
Not one who’s precious or polite;
Travelling tomorrow,
Cat-napping alright!
_

[TORBJÖRN]
Searching extensive,
Looting intensive,
Anything valuable:
We’re cashing in alright!

[TUURI]
Tomes and treatises,
Cultural prizes,
Anything valuable:
[covers mouth conspiratorially] We’re cashing in, alright!

[EMIL]
Nothing for kicks, nothing for free;
Bring on my glory, status and fee!

[TARU]
Old dissertations,
New valuations,
Nothing illegal or polite;
Travelling tomorrow,
Cashing in alright!
_

[SIGRUN]
Something that’s agile,
Something that’s fragile,
Seating for everyone:
Our Cataphract’s alright!

[MIKKEL]
Some anaesthetic,
Something emetic,
Cooking for everyone:
My quackery’s alright!

[TROND]
No-one too bad, no-one too great;
Waiting for better carries no weight!

[SIGRUN]
No time to brood now,
Nor check the food now,
No final briefings to recite;
Lower down the drawbridge:
Moving out, alright!
_

[TUURI]
Something aquatic,
Something traumatic,
Scary for everyone:
We’ll carry on, alright!

[EMIL & REYNIR]
Crates we did jumble,
Stomachs will rumble,
Shortage for everyone:
It’s all his/my fault, all right!

[REYNIR]
Not much idea, nowhere to roam;
Bring me adventure, travel and home!

[EXPEDITION CREW]
Wide Nordic spaces,
White Nordic faces,
Hey now, we’re what survived the blight;
Travelling to follow,
Company’s all right!

[CUT TO Madagascar. A group of people are dancing under a painted banner: MADAGASCAR BEACH PARTY]

[EMIL]
[yells]
Travelling to follow OUR company, all RIGHT?!

[DERPKITTY bounds cutely to the fore, and addresses the audience]

[DERPKITTY]
^This story takes place across the whole of Scandinavia, around and about these three families, of three nations. First, the Swedish family Västerström, a formerly wealthy clan, abroad now in search of a new fortune, to replace that which they lost… through their own bad decisions. They don’t like to talk about it. Second, the Norwegian family Eide - hunters and cleavers of the flesh of beasts and giants. Lastly, the Finnish family of Hotakainen and Hollola, who lived mostly on the islands of the Saimaa Lake system, until these islands started getting eaten, one after another. Plus, there is a Danish Madsen, an Icelandic Arnisson, and, last but not least, my favourite character, the real leader of the entire ensemble, endowed with such natural grace and abundant charisma, charm and cuteness that it would be impossible to say otherwise, there is myself, the cat.^ [Mews sweetly]

[The ICELANDIC COUNCILWOMAN sweeps in from the left, surveying the company and its equipment]
Everything we’ve paid for, company’s alright!

[She stops, stares, then shoots a suspicious look at TORBJÖRN]

[TORBJÖRN]
[Hurriedly seeking to distract attention, shouts]
And now, the entire cast!

[ENTIRE CAST begins filing in]
_

[ENTIRE CAST]
Somewhere familiar,
Somewhere peculiar
Somewhere for everybody:
Company’s alright!

Something ungodly,
Something that’s shoddy-

[TROND]
Something on everybody!
Blackmail-

[ENTIRE CAST]
-Is alright!

[VÄSTERSTRÖM KIDS]
Nothing that sucks.

[ADMIRAL OLSEN]
NOTHING THAT BLOWS.

[TARU]
[Indicating OLSEN:]
That’s Brian Blessed under those clothes.

[EXPEDITION CREW]
Cunning defences!

[SUPPORT CREW]
Running expenses!

[ALL]
Thousands of monsters out of sight!

[SIGRUN]
Warriors and students!

[REYNIR]
Cityscapes and mutants!

[SIV]
Salaries and raises!

[EMIL]
Dynamite and blazes!

[TORBJÖRN]
Documents!

[TROND]
Incompetents!

[SIV]
Liquidity!

[ONNI]
Stupidity!

[EMIL]
Grenades!

[SIGRUN]
Raids!

[TUURI]
Books!

[MIKKEL]
Cooks!

[REYNIR]
Stowaways!
Throwaways!
Blowaways!
Towaways!

[ALL]
No end in sight, no rival force,
And some awesome kitties, of course!
Rudeness and radness,
Fanficcing madness -
All here for free on just one site!
Updating tomorrow,
Company’s-Comic is-Company’s-Comic is alright!