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
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 14
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Paul Bell, Salvia.S
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Comments6
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.
Dearest Soren, the tension, the grayscale atmosphere, the child pulled into something wrong… you read the pulse of the piece clean…super glad it delivered and thankful for your time, support, and fave. Much appreciated, my dear friend. 🐛🌫️⚪🙏
You are always most welcome
Oh no! Popeye's nipped in. Did he write that line: Thank g- g- goodness? Sounds like someone glugging. It can only be one person. lol.
Orchi, I knew he’d get spotted… that little glug gave him away… he just can’t help himself. LOL! 🐛🌫️⚪🙏
That worm's sneaked in again. Who? We know - mustn't give him extra publicity! lol.
Dammit, Tom...finish knitting that tube sock! 🤭🤣
Tube sock? Swoon! lol.
😂
Every way you read this, the child has gone.
Sweeties, persuasion, blackmail.
The swing park sets the scene and your imagination just takes over.
My friend, you caught the subtle slide…sweet talk turning sharp…innocence dissolving off the page…that’s the horror underneath. And, yeah, I concur...the swing set sets it all up. Thanks for the read and the thoughts, my friend. Much appreciated. 🐛🌫️⚪🙏
Unsure of my bearings here - about as unsure as the child, I would think. Can confirm I feel uneasy there, Tristan.
My friend, if the bearings feel off and the unease settles in, then the poem is doing its work…it’s meant to leave you standing in the same shadow as the child. a😱 Not a "cozy" little place to be. 🤣 Thanks for reading and sharing, Dave. Always appreciated! 🐛🌫️⚪🙏
Oohh now, P can't wait until your next poem. He has sneaked in on this one again. He asks 'Are ya sailing the 7 seas? If not, why not?' But he knows ya can't answer that in public! He's a one, a real character. heehee.
Orchi, he never waits… he just pops up with his ah-gah-gah-gah-glug-glugs...which causes the rest of us to glurg and 🤮...and asks questions no sane person would ever dare answer…he really is a character. 🤣
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