Degenerate

Sleep again my little one,
Preserved a deathly pale.
Nightmares come to steal the sun
And darkness doth prevail.

The serpent red - who takes your dreams,
Sweet and innocent and true,
Will fill your ears with deathly screams
Your spirit he will subdue.

A ghost child - laden with unrest
Your slumber lasts for days -
Awaken you shall at his behest
Hypnotised by his gaze.

You are not of this world my dear
Your heart he stole away
Little you know of our earthly sphere
Your spirit he led astray.

You followed him down to his realm
Led by your mortal fear
In the ship of your mind he took the helm
Your weakness let him steer.

Left alone with childish pain
You were an easy prey
Your lack of blame is all in vain
His intent it could not allay.

We remember you - or so we should
The life whence he held sway
A time you were misunderstood
That time long passed this day

Your downfall should be our regret
Your shame is not your own
You are now but a silhouette
We cannot bring you home.

So now my dear - fair and pale
You must pay our dues
Remind us all that we did fail
And another soul we lose!