Phyllobates terribilis

A pretty face often hides a lethal sting

Beneath shinning gold a secret weapon lies

Something so simple shrouds something sinister

A look of innocence disarms any defenses

Others like it are harmless enough

This one would be too, don’t you think?

The experienced know otherwise

Predators and prey leave well enough alone

The vivid gold confers a warning

Telling of the danger it wields

But the inexperienced know not what is to come

They are intrigued by the novelty

Eyes wide with wonder at the colors

How could they know of the peril that lurks

How could they know that with nothing but a touch

Their whole world could disappear

While they are lying prone

As the poison spreads its merciless fingers

Relentless in its attack as it reaches for the heart

There are few who walk away

And though alive, they are ne’er unscarred

Pain and toruture their minds forever mar

So beware.

Beware the golden covering.

For underneath prowls something...

Something perfectly

Despicable.