Curls around his heart

This child weeps

Within for lost collusion

He tries

To touch a soul with fingertips

All twist away and shudder from his grasp

Wretched, cloying hope

Won't hide the masks

His answers fade away

As dust, but one

He throws

Off fear to take a first red bite

The poison tracing lineage on his lips

White winged needle

Brings him home at last

Haunted, hated moon of nefarious night

Reflecting dawn of ethereal day

A wondrous joy

Explodes within his heart

Yet snakes of stolen pleasure will not pause

Forked black venom

Hisses in his blood

As waking nightmares

Writhe beneath his dreams

A victim or a hero

Smiling now

Sliding into sleep without a sigh