beneath the rock

while exploring out beyond our border
i happened to dislodge a jagged rock
and suddenly sensed a sinister presence
there tensely coiled and poised to strike
she hissed and spat a bitter vile venom
at once scathing hot, yet freezing to the touch
this slithery serpentine creature
had steely grey eyes aglow
with something not of earthly light
though coldly blazing all the same
here was no doubt a denizen of the night
clad with scales of razors, blood and rust
retreat she must, as light of day forbade
she leave that morbid haunt beneath the rock
i could feel those icy eyes burn through me as i departed
as the sun was fading into bleak and forlorn dusk
and she must abide there til night's cloak has fallen
she lies in wait now knowing that i've seen
the secret gateway to her nefarious realm
that place where neither dead nor living dwell
i hear her calling, somehow she knows my name
that haunting whisper beckons as i long for sleep
"come my precious, you ought never be alone !"
"come, my precious, your place is here by me !"