The husk worms stand still,
Almost tree-like—
Each less and less visible—
In the white, acid-flash
Scorched air; the earth
Salt-crusted with lye.
Noxious gases
Are all that remain,
Remnant of
Worm’s meat
Digested.
Their branch-like tentacles
Reach out to feast
On beasts of air.
No one dare,
Unless unaware,
Ever venture
There.
So, please—dear child,
Have a care.
I know that
Your swing set was there,
But you’re now in the know.
We cannot stick around,
We have to go—
No, that is not snow.
Trust me, you cannot touch it
For acid truly burns,
And that lye comes directly
From those worms.
But we do have to go,
Once we leave here
Then I can show.
I have gifts and
Turkish Delights,
Presents for you,
Ones beyond this fright.
I know, I know—
Precious, one—I know.
This was not like this
Last night—before I arrived.
Thank G...goodness I came when I did.
Now, let’s go.
I can hold you so you don’t burn—
You’re so smart but wait your turn—
Yes, yes I have special shoes
To carry you.
No struggle, no need to fight,
No need to show you’re right.
I can get you away from this horrid sight,
Away from lye and away from light.
Here, give me your hand,
I can lift you where I stand,
Honestly, there’s no need to scoff,
You can come, or I’ll steal you off.
Either way, it’s destination Leveler’s Land.
© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.
First published on tristanrobertlange.com, November 20, 2025.
Tittu
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Author:
Tristan Robert Lange (
Offline) - Published: November 20th, 2025 09:12
- Comment from author about the poem: Comment from author about the poem: I’m now published in an anthology featuring authors from across the Poconos, PA. All proceeds benefit the Pocono Liars Club — a collective of authors and editors dedicated to supporting and mentoring local writers. Available in paperback and Kindle, please consider purchasing one and supporting a great cause. https://a.co/d/58uxM69
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Comments1
Tristan this reads like a scene out of a horror movie. It is painted in black and white to give more of a sense of horror. The use of the child draws the reader in and increases the sense of tension. Well written my friend.
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