Dear Mother,

Thank you again for speaking to uncle about arranging this Landsraad attaché position. I realize you see my obsession with the Arrakis sandworm as something of a mania, but I appreciate your indulgence. My lifelong dream to glimpse one in person is nearly realized!

Consider the animal. Its approach is marked by static and dry lightning, as well as the strong, flinty aroma of burning cinnamon. In size, worms up to 450 meters have been observed, though many claim beasts as big as 1,000 meters swim in the sands of the southern pole region. Mouths that can swallow spice harvesters. Innards like blast furnaces, producing intense flame. When two such titans meet, they challenge one another by bellowing melange-smelling exhaust from the caverns that are their throats.

Imagine, Mother!

I have only just arrived on the planet, but I have been practicing my “sandwalk” for well over a week and feel I have mastered the rhythmless shuffle. I cannot wait another moment! Our little excursion leaves tomorrow. I’ll write you on my return.

Your devoted son,

Lancel Hurata

Over here sand blows,
Over there sand blows.
Over there a rich man waits,
Over here I wait.

Shai-Hulud abides through all.
Time flinches. Stars blink.
Shai-Hulud abides through all.

Shai-Hulud! Old Man of the Desert.
Shai-Hulud! Old Father Eternity.
Shai-Hulud! Grandfather of the Desert.

Through my naked knife, you smile.
My foe’s mortal wound smiles back.
Through your molten belly,
Was the world forged.
Before the Before,
Blessed be the Maker!

When all abiding ends,
And you swallow the stars, one by one,
Swallow the gravid moon,
Swallow light, swallow dark, swallow time, swallow all.
After the After,
Blessed be the Taker!

With a belly full of all,
You will slither,
Through darkness that is not darkness,
Carrying us to what comes next.