Sanctum

An amber eye against leathery matte black scales

opens halfway and then closes again.

The slight movement of a long tail

sends gold coins tumbling down

a mountain of riches.

Slow stretching of lazy feet,

admiring the claws as long and sharp

and deadly as teeth.

A golden sunbeam shining down into the den

warms the spiny back,

and the only sound besides a satisfied sigh

is a gentle breeze,

a welcome visitor from outside.

Then suddenly,

a crunching sound

on the hillside leading to the den,

the clanking of the silver armor

covering the tiny morsel inside.

The eye opens again, wide at first,

but then narrowed in annoyance.

Another greedy invader

with murderous intent,

who will soon become another

pile of bones to add to the collection.

The fire within the breast

ignites and smolders.