Victory Dance
One poem by Melanie Blignaut
Melanie Blignaut
Published on September 30, 2026
Victory Dance
The children leap and twirl,
their bare feet kick up
tiny clouds of dirt
as they circle the campfire.
The flickering firelight turns
the red sand into bloodstains;
their shrieks transform them
into ancient tribal warriors,
triumphantly returning from battle.
Lost in their laughter,
they do not see the serpent slithering
in the shadows until,
by chance, the girl catches a shimmer
of scales shining in the light.
She screams
and screams.
The boy, true warrior now,
snatches up the small axe
and severs the snake's head.
Their mother says
Well done, my brave boy
and
It's alright, my darling.
She does not tell them
the snake was harmless,
only trying to escape the flames
and vibrations from their feet.
Hearts beating wildly in victory,
the children leap and twirl.
Melanie Blignaut
About the Author
Melanie Blignaut
South Africa
"Melanie Blignaut is a South African wife, mother, and teacher who has always loved to play with words. She writes in the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Her writing can be found at sometimesapoet.substack.com and on Instagram @melanie.blignaut."