Irukandji

I float in water, relaxed.

The sun warms me.

The water cools me.

I feel safe.

The gentle rocking

of the ebbing tide

lulls my senses,

allays my fears and

disarms my defences

The gentle caress

of your long, soft fingers

are barely felt on my skin.

Slowly you nuzzle and fondle me.

You embrace me.

You envelope me.

Then, scantily,

without a sound,

you box me in.

Your sharp sting

heralds my death.

Irukandji.