Chapter 5 -- The Accountant

Shadows of the Moon

Oftentimes, at night, it seems Strange things happen, though not in dreams.
"Hey, hello? Could you delete this line? It doesn't belong in this story."
Thoughts may wander, and all logic is sold
When the shadows of the moon take hold.
"Really, I'm an accountant working late in my office, and I'm not even the main character. I've just hopelessly fallen for the heroine of the story. Hello? Those lines don't belong here."

Unseen things move to and fro.
"What was that? In the corner -- it looked like…. Nevermind. I'm just going to go on with the right story here."
Eerie shapes take form and grow.
"I'm not seeing this. I'm just going to keep my nose in these ledgers, and ignore this sidetrip to the Twilight Zone, thank you very much."
Hearts stop beating in fear untold
While the shadows of the moon take hold.
"Look, I'm not sure what kind of trouble you're having with your computer, but it's obvious you've got some kind of file merged with mine. I'd appreciate it if you'd fix this now, so I could get on with my work. I don't like being stuck here late as it is, and I'd really like to get some sleep soon, thank you."

On silent feet they come, they creep.
"Look how late it is. I don't have time for this. There is a deadline on this report. Just let me get done with it, please."
Their harvest of captured souls they reap;
Taking a plunder more precious than gold,
For the shadows of the moon are taking hold.
"Oh my gosh, I really don't want to be hearing this. I might not be religious, but I do have some sense of faith. Get this poem out of my story, those freaky shadows in the corner and all."

They move quite methodically at their frantic pace
Quietly moving from place to place.
"What the H-E-double hockey sticks was that?!" Out the window -- over on that building. I don't want to be here. Get me out of this poem! They're everywhere out there! Little black scurrying things --- going through windows and taking -- what is that they're carrying? I don't want to know. Just get me out of this office. Wait, wait! Not out of the office, just out of this story. Put me back where I belong, and I'll be just fine."
All treaties made are now annulled;
The shadows of the moon have taken hold.
"Wait! No, get off my window! Get out of my office! You don't want me! Just leave, please leave! Go! You don't even belong here! Don't take me, please don't kill me. Oh, God, help me! Let this poem be over!"

They carry their booty in noiseless flight,
For they must be home before it's light.
"It's going -- it's leaving -- little eyeless head ---and. Thank you! They're leaving. How much longer does this poem last? I just want to make it through the end -- maybe I don't. I hope it ends well. It's my only chance."
Then over their door the stone is rolled
Before the shadows of the moon can lose their hold.
"Is it over? Are they gone? Just let it be over."

The few living that knew that they were near
Will evermore watch in captive fear,
Waiting for the morn's bell to toll
When the shadows of the moon take hold.
"You mean it might happen again? Shit…."

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