Claws of the Beast

[Thoughtjotter]

He had heard about the danger, had to see it for himself.
It could never happen to him, it was always someone else.
He began to play too close to the deep and dismal wood.
That small voice was screaming, the danger understood.

This warning is for all, who presume to know no fear.
Your soul will be burning, when the evil eyes are near.
Demons creep to greet you, hear their heinous sighs.
The beast may even whisper, "someones telling lies".

Not long ago they had their health, irrational but strong.
The horror in the mirror, proof, their audacity was wrong.
The beast has ripped their lives apart, hopeless situation.
Now they have nowhere to turn in their lonely desperation.

^This line feels to be off a bit on rhythm. Could try:
Now they've no place to turn in their lonely desperation.

The mutilated bodies found, North, West, South and East.
METH-ODDS of self-destruction, of the Claws of the Beast.

I'm a little unclear on the CAPS here, are you trying to imply to the reader that the protagonist's methods are "odd"?

Besides those two line I bolded with comments, I think this is a brilliantly haunting poem and I think it has good potential.

Blake, please forgive me for not responding to your encouraging comments sooner. It was not an intentional oversight, it was my lack of experience with this sort of communication. I pretty well mucked the whole process up on this attempt. I didn't put anything where it belonged and I still have a long way to go. I'm sure I'll have it figured out in another 8 or 9 years though.
You are right about the unbalanced Rhythm (did I say that right?).
I am also beginning to learn that trying to be clever with my writing will not work to well in poetry.

"Claws" (addiction) "Beast" (meth), I guess the CAPS. were my lame attempt to express myself forcibly. "METH - ODDS" / The odds are on self destruction when you play with the addiction of drugs like meth.
I'm sure that I had most everyone scratching their heads on that one.
Bare with me my friend, I've got a long way to go with this poetry stuff.
Thanks again,

R.T.