Fuck You, Pay Me

Look. Many of you know me as a saint. Maybe even a martyr. This is why I have opted to create this puzzle. I must speak my piece, and what a piece it is.

I have been ignored - nay, robbed - snubbed! - for far too long. I have fought the good fight with the best of intentions, only for my words to fall on stubborn, unlistening ears. I have clawed my way up from the trenches, I have fought my inner demons, I have been a passenger aboard Charon's mighty raft through the deepest pits of Tartarus. I have touched the cold and unrelenting hand of God, and I have returned to you all, bruised, raw, but full of affirmations: I am strong. I am powerful. I am deserving.

This puzzle came to me in a dream, much like the benzene ring appeared in the form of an ouroboros to Kekulé. His vision changed the world, and so will my puzzle.

Thank you to the incomparable Norah for all of her help on this puzzle, and for being my ally on this grueling journey.

SPOILER-Y THINGS:

Evidence of my dedication to the cause (1, 2, 3)

fullscreen | .puz | .pdf