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.

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

It is certainly a good message that rings clear, I am just not sold by all of the dark gothic imagery. Perhaps it is oversold and comes off as more jargon. The first and last stanzas say most of it. A slower transition from the curiosity to the monstrosity of meth would be more effective. Nonetheless, this could scare some youths straight.

Thank you for your time, knowledge and suggestions, I have much to learn and will all the help that I can get.
Here is the latest edit:

Are dangers ever real?
evil whispers passed along;
the doubt of nonbelievers,
now everyone is wrong
and evil becomes a myth.
a lie, the deceiver.

where does this beast reside?
words of denial passed along;
the third row, someone said,
where the choir sings their song,
"deliver us from this evil".
no saint in Meth's bed.

Why was there no warning?
words of truth passed along;
that reflection in the mirror,
the ravaged face did not belong.
a hopeless situation,
Grim Reaper drawing near.

Where was this beast last seen?
words of alarm passed along;
north,west, south and east
taking down weak and strong
with the claws of addiction.
mutilated bodies, for his feast.

Thanks again,
R.T.