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The Entomologist's Dream
Iridescent wings glimmer in moonlight. African Glass Blue, Cinnabar Moth and Fiery Copper recline in their transparant chambers. A grandfather clock strikes three. The sleeper hears thin, creaking ice. Diamonds of sweat glisten on his forehead, tender wings tantalise his skin. Antennas twitch, exoskeletons tremble, pierced thoraxes take their first agonising breath of cloistered air. Glass-topped cages split open. A clap of thunder bursts the sultry, summer night. Maiden's Blush and Brindled Beauty dance through the room, chasing a skyline of jumbled chimneys. a still, diaphonous shadow. Her jungle echoes within him. He dare not invoke her name; the jewel of his collection. He tiptoes across a creaking floor, hands cupped he pounces! She flies towards the stars. Within the dislodged killing-bottle, Cyanide of potassium stirs. |