NaPoWriMo #20: Swamp

The will-o-wisps bounce their ghosts lights
across the swamp, attracting human beings
to investigate.  With their first steps inside
they realize they've made a big mistake.
The appearance of ground sinks into mud
and water, their legs trapped by a mouth
that will not give up swallowing its prey.
Bugs, gnats and stingers, surround their heads,
peppering their eyes and cheeks with bites.
A large snake slithers by a swamp oak,
alligators splash into water, snap their jaws.
If only they had ignored the signs of life
coming from this bog.  To let them survive
on their own, to let the stars live alone.