A serpentine gaze falls upon us 
A vile commandeering gaze, 
promising a warm reunion with nonexistence 
for merely matching it. 
None lift their eyes. Yet 
 
magnificent scales glisten                                                           - or so they say - 
in resplendent moonlight                                                           - or so they say. 
 
Marred, dehydrated earth is our 
likely companion. 
We stand ten paces apart 
or find ourselves without a method to make paces at all. 
None take a step. Yet 
 
splendiferous wings                                                                  - or so they say - 
raise to the transcendent                                                          - or so they say. 
 
One ahead speaks out. Footsteps echo. 
Just a scream. 
Just a fleeting sound. 
Just another echoing cry. 
Just what? 
I look up -