The Green Worm

I spied a ginormous green worm, flipped upside down,

suspended from the ceiling.

Shrouded tip to tip in shredded black, its body scavenged by a mob of midnight crawlers.

I cried for my mother to bring her broom. I cried for my mother to save her innocent. I cried for my mother in silent sobs.

Fear erupted in my mouth. I suffocated on unspoken syllables. I cried for my mother until she saved me from myself.