This Child’s Dream

Awoken by the first bite,

Deep within the flesh
Of the left calf muscle,

A searing pain,
As though flesh is torn
From bone.

Within the stale darkness
Of the coffin
In which they lay,

The occupant sees
Serpents at their feet,

Writhing,
Hissing,
Biting at their ankles
And legs.

As they struggle to move,
To kick,

But all they can do
Is scream.

A pointless,
Ineffective,
Silent scream.

Smoke fills their lungs
As flames burst
From below their bare feet.

Serpents turn to ash,
Crumbling to dust,

As heat
And fire engulf
The legs,

Climbing up the body,

Erupting,
Popping,
Crackling,

Until,

Sudden,
Absolute,
Black.