Slimy Tove

Beware the slimy tove

You are the slow worm
that catches the bird;
the slimy tove
that slithers unheard;
corkscrews round roots
of fallen firs

You are the monster
under the bed
who reaches out
to stroke my head;
lashes his tongue,
yet remains unfed

You are the grimble
in my jujube tree;
fiendish felon
with fallacious tendency;
your offer of fruit
seduces me

You are the apple
juice in my eye;
that stings my tears
as you smoothly slue by;
back to the undergrowth
to wither and die