The Pit and the Pendulum

Opening my eyes
to a horrible nightmare.
To my feet I rise,
to walk I dare.
Outstretching my arms,
for I can not see.
In a state of alarm,
I try to flee.
Finding I'm caged,
in this dark cell.
I guess I'm stuck in hell.

Following along the wall,
100 paces I count in all.
Walking toward the center,
I trip and fall
in front of a pit,
that is deeper then a well.
If I stepped a bit more
in I would've surely fell.

Stumbling back
against the wall,
loosing track
of time that seems to be stalled.
Falling asleep,
waking up to see light.
Feeling goosebumps creep.
This cant be right...
The room has doubled in size.
Bread and water placed beside me.
To my surprise,
someone is playing games with me.

I drink to quench my thirst.
The water has been drugged,
I should have thought first
before I slugged.
Sleep falls upon me,
I awaken on my back.
I have ropes tied across me.
My left arm free to attack
the rats that are eating the meat
that has been laid by my side.
But this is not a treat,
for there's no water by my side.

Noticing right over me,
a scythe like pendulum hangs.
Thirty or forty feet about me.
Back and forth is swings.
Watching as it comes lower,
with every passing day.
Even in horror,
I finally found a way,
to escape out of these ropes;
by rubbing meat on the bandages.
This is my only hope,
using the rats to my advantage.

Finally I'm free,
I have escaped death.
Watching the rats as they flee,
feeling out of breath.
The walls glowing red,
Lighting up the room.
I wish I was dead,
so I wouldn't have to face this doom.
Watching as the walls come near,
trying to goad me into the pit,
but death of the pit I fear.
I must use my wit,
to get out of this mess.
Feeling the heat on my skin,
hoping for the best.
I have to win.

I press back against the wall,
for now I'm at the edge.
I must not fall
over the ledge.
Closing my eyes,
I give one last scream.
Is this how I'm going to die?
I wish this was a dream.

Hearing the sounds of trumpets,
feeling the walls rush back.
Someone catches me as i fall.
The French army had entered;
The Inquisition was in the hands of its enemies.