Bayou Witch
Every bayou needs a witch
to clear out the riff raff and dodgy sorts
who would think to disturb the gators
or take a meal from the mouth of a muskrat
She needn’t be very large,
just big enough
to swallow the moon
when it shines too bright
and brings to light
things the Bayou would rather be kept
secret, sacred
She would wear the face of an old lover
or perhaps a catfish
keep a bit of cypress and toad
in her skirt
for luck
She would string up red fire ants
like pearls
wear them on skin
that ripples like death
Because she will need know death
like the back of her hand
must have teeth sharper than any man
if she is going to survive
The Bayou only takes what it needs
but it needs quite a lot
especially from its witch
She will lose herself every night
in the moss and mud
dancing in brackish waters
giving birth to fish and fowl
nursing the bayou
to life
and delivering death
when the Bayou demands
Yes, every Bayou needs a witch
like me.
Raven J. Cole
Raven J. Cole is a teacher, writer, and book nerd from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently teaches writing at University View Academy. Her poetry can be found in OtherVisions Zine, Oyster River Pages, Dig Magazine, and at the bottom of most pots of gumbo. Updates are available at ravenjcole.com.
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Poetry