“Pretty Little Things” by Richard F. Yates

Into the room they floated
from where I couldn’t say
dozens of little creatures
glowing red like Christmas lights
a school of candy fish
swimming through the air as if it were fluid

I watched through half closed eyes
as they swirled
little bodies sometimes darting
away from the group
then diving back into the central mass
creating lines and arcs of light
against the shadows of the attic

I noticed
after a moment
the cat
stalking the mass
tracking this strange prey
already tasting the glowing flesh in his jaws

In range
he leapt
claws stretched
needle teeth exposed

But like a forest fire blown by a strong wind
these pretty little things
moved on him as well

They swarmed the hunter
wrapping his body in mid-air

I heard
faintly
as if from under water
a scream

And then the mass uncoiled
dropping fragments of bone
onto the ancient linoleum floor
and they resumed their air dance
so smooth
so soothing

I watched
unmoving
unbreathing
as they swam and played around the room
lighting corners long hidden in shadow

I watched
unmoving
unbreathing
as the creatures swirled calmly in the air
slowly floating towards
my bed

But I was a statue
a rock
did nothing to attract their attention

So they floated passed me
and out my open window
towards the sounds of children
playing in the streets below

---Richard F. Yates

[This is another poem from my Night Noises collection, available RIGHT NOW at many fine online stores near you!!!]

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