A Trilogy of Perilous Temptations

Dionaea;

serrated smiles slowly emerge

from damp and dewy bogs,

stagnant, swampy lawns lay soft and moist,

translucent rays illuminate jaded spurs,

lengthy limbs stretch and curl,

                                                stretch and curl,

buds slowly unfold and secrete

temptingly sweet, blushed cheeks entice,

winged prey tangles,

                                tickles and triggers;

crimson jaws provoke then entrap,

claw-like hands capture and enclose

locked away; victims dissolve

as tired wings collapse…

Sarracenia;

through glowing shades of fern and ficus

spotted tubes with lidded spectacle fold,

intoxicating scents pucker,

pink and purple,

as red, gold and bronze edges ruffle

pools of tainted nectar lure,

a fly's last and final meal,

painted pitchers pour out dangers

buds blindly close and capture;

silent and patient,

vibrant, beastly predators devour…

Darlingtonia;

sunrays pierce and brighten,

a glowing, stained glass underbelly,

veins of scarlet and fuchsia

illuminate scurried silhouettes

from deep within, mocking prey

with predatory shadow puppets;

emerald chambers evoke

gleaming lanterns, ever perilous,

marshes buzz, wings reverberate;

thick and hollow arms rise,

serpentine pipes now curl and entrap,

festering, fluttering, forgotten prey,

as hungry, new buds emerge…