I’ve seen the creatures,
Heard their screams –
It chilled me to the bone.
Despicable beings with only hate 
And nary a thought of their own. 

I’ve felt the sear their burning gaze
As I walked past in haste;
Eyes down, head down,
My heartbeat keeping pace.

I’ve heard the legends,
Seen the flames – 
Watched this all unfold;
I’ve done my part
To stay informed –
Shared the stories I’ve been told. 

I’ve kept abreast with every word
My friends and neighbors spoke
Of the seething beasts and their ill intent –
The flames their hatred stokes.

It is not fear which fills my heart,
Nor detesting scorn,
But courage and strength, I imbibe
As we rally ’round the horn.

A call to arms, the siren sounds – 
A call for all to act;
The beasts, among us, long have lived – 
It’s time to push them back.

“Back to hell!” our rally cry.
“Back from whence you came!
There is no haven here for you,
What waits is death and flame.”

In our vicious triumph,
I stand in ashen plains;
Those wretched beasts have burned it all – 
Only ash and dust remains.

My heavy heart knew the cost –
A price it paid with pride;
To drive those miserable creatures out,
The means were justified.