the serpent and the succubus 
are baring polished fang for you.
I caught the faintest glimmer 
of greylight off their
ruby-blue metal surfaces.  
I heard the sheaths' whispering
to me again last night 
as I dreamed memory.

slow cuts the quickslitter 
that drives home venom angry
and opaque.  take this phial 
and drink warm wine tonight
when they come for you, as I do.  
no less breathes a riddle than I.  
no more to dream 
the clocks' mockery.


copyright William F. DeVault (wfdv)