Unwelcome Arrival

Weary, resting in velvet armchair comfort,
I close my eyes; inhale deeply, then exhale,
Inviting myself to believe the lie that I am calm.

I feel the serpent writhing in my gut,
Grimvael,
Slithering upward around my spine,
Briefly constricting my throat,
Before coiling within my mind.

His unwelcome arrival announced,
I feel his icy black tendrils,
Reaching deep into my most wounded memories,
Feeding, feeding,
Drinking his fill from my hidden sorrows,
One thousand memories fastened to one thousand suckers.

The great serpent stirs forgotten places,
Twisting, twisting,
Until sleep claims me.