The Nundus by minnabird

Summary: What's your worst nightmare? Inferi? Werewolves? Dementors? How about a giant, black, panther-like creature whose breath poisons the very air you breathe?

Nominated for Best Poem in the 2011 Quicksilver Quill awards.

Categories: Poetry Characters: None
Warnings: Character Death
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Completed: Yes Word count: 114 Read: 1119 Published: 08/02/10 Updated: 08/03/10

1. The Nundus by minnabird

Shadows close around us, clinging
To the corners of our eyes,
The very air around us stinging

From the noxious breath that's flinging
From the throats of beasts - their guise:
Shadows closing 'round us, clinging.

Teeth flash white and fear is singing,
Burning in our lungs and thighs,
The very air around us stinging

As we try to breathe in, bringing
Scant relief - oh, help, arise!
Shadows close around us, clinging

To darker blackness that is ringing
Us around with our demise,
The very air around us stinging.

One last breath - a gasp - wringing
Nothing save the anguished whys?
Shadows close around us, clinging,
The very air around us stinging.

End Notes:

When teaching me about this form, my Creative Writing teacher said, "A villanelle is a nightmare." I hope this holds true to form. Thanks to Bella/clabbert2101 for a quick (sort-of) beta job. =D

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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.

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