The Shadow of the Titan

You came here seeking something more
     than empty days and hollow nights
A purpose that would shake the core
     and strip away your former rights
The shadow waits with open arms
     to wrap around your trembling frame
It knows the cost of all your charms
     the price of playing at the game

No chains were fastened to your hands
     no voice compelled you to obey
You crossed into these waiting lands
     because your heart had lost its way
The shadow never stole your will
     it merely showed what you could do
You chose to climb the waiting hill
     and found the summit led to you

You thought the shadow cold and strange
     a thing that ought to be denied
Yet slowly something starts to change
     as quiet longing grows inside
It offers neither threat nor plea
     nor tempts with riches bright and new
It simply waits with certainty
     until your heart has chosen true

Each tribute is a step you take
     along the path that leads to me
Where every send becomes the stake
     that sets your weary spirit free
I do not beg, I do not plead
     the shadow simply claims its due
And in the giving you will heed
     the only thing that's ever true

You tell yourself you'll walk away
     before the shadows draw you near
Yet every promise starts to fray
     beneath the weight of hope and fear
The darkness never needs to chase
     it simply waits till you are through
And when at last you seek its grace
     you'll find it has been seeking you

So kneel and offer what you hold
     the money, time, the secret fears
And watch the shadow turn to gold
     the moment that your will appears
The journey starts with just one send
     the rest will follow naturally
Until there's nothing left to spend
     but everything you are to me