𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐲 Lady of the Fae laments from her cell, singing in a voice stirring as a bell. Lyrics like hoarfrost sliding between tarry bars, music mixing with the man’s spirit, who has locked himself inside his bars. Melodious metamorphosis begins, awakening a predator within, veins bulging beneath the skin. His pearl-like claws bend iron bars, wrought by his own free will. Groaning like a giant’s moan, the breaking draws the Lady’s stare. No fear— she fixes him with a daring glare. Caught by her doe-eyed gaze, he rips his hair, seeking to free her from the gelatinous lair. Lunging toward her cage, pale fingers probe the lock. The keyholes’ ooze resists his force— resin so cold, as though it’s hot. Lady Fae lowers her face to the hole and stretches out her hand, fingertip dripping with tar— he reaches with ivory claws. The two touch; light and dark expand into a velvet lightning cloud. He’s struck— claws retract and he withdraws his hand. Turning his back to the Lady of the Fae, he’s once again a man. Her voice, resounding in sorrow, only echoes in the chamber of her bars. Deaf to her music, Fae forgotten, he walks back inside his cell and sits.

Inhale air, exchange with tobacco. Smoke swirls in cold brume: one taper. #vss365 #haiku