Without even a chink of light, I can find my way around your room to your bedside, drawn by your nightmares, the way they curl out of the open window and drift on the thermals of a summer night. I am the creature who smells your darkest thoughts, moving like a jaguar in the shadows. Nightmares smell and taste like blood while dark thoughts are more like bitter chocolate.
I know that you have often dreamt of me in your bed. Erotic images beckon me, intensified by pungent beads of sweat pearling on your skin. I slip under the covers, spoon you, and tickle your ear with my tongue. My fingers explore your hairiness, so unlike the scaly snake into which I often shapeshift, causing you to call out a name that’s not mine. I am Lilith, aroused by the aroma of dark dreams.
Kim M. Russell, 21st July 2026
I was a little late reading Merrril’s Prosery prompt for the dVerse Poets Pub this week, as I returned from a week away at my daughter’s yesterday afternoon.
I was interested to see the prompt line came from, for me, an unfamiliar poem and poet, Arthur Sze. It also appealed to me as I love all kinds of cats, including jaguars.
The poem, ‘Jaguar Song’ was written in an interesting form, and I like the line that Merril chose for our flash fiction/non-fiction of up to 144 words: “I am the creature who smells your darkest thoughts”.
writing in north norfolk 
This is a dark, erotic fantasy, Kim!
I really liked the sensory imagery of “Nightmares smell and taste like blood while dark thoughts are more like bitter chocolate.”
I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading the poem and the prompt!
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Thank you, Merril!
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You’re welcome, Kim!
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Erotic darkness in those dreams. Great imagery and that snake is definitely one to watch out for.
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Thank you, Truedessa.
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This is one of your best writings Kim ❤️ . I read it serval times .
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Thank you so much, Maggie! 💕
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This draws upon so many famous myths with Lilith being one of its names, the ultimate succubus
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Thank you, Björn.
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Kim, I like the idea (like as in appreciate) of a creature being drawn by nightmares and dark thoughts that is separate from the actors in those two things. It’s like an “anti-BFG.” Your story is truly chilling and I hope it never tickles my ear with its tongue!
Did you have a nice visit with Ellen and the boys?
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Thank you, Lisa. The visit was a bit stressful, I enjoyed spending time with them, but I’m glad to be home. It’s not easy sleeping on a lumpy sofa bed and living out of a suitcase at my age!
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You’re welcome. Maybe they could spring for an air mattress for next time? Lumpy sofa bed doesn’t make for sound sleep.
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Oh. Lilith. Absolutely loved this and the sensory image. And if dark thoughts taste like bitter chocolate. No wonder there are people who like them… Hmm.
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I’m glad you loved the poem Reelika. I quite fancy some dark chocolate now.
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