Lustrous flame dances
through the stagnant air
projecting an amber halo.
Bloody Mary, we’d like to have a word.
We’ve heard all about your exploits.
Do you hear me?
I can’t help
but get ahead of myself.
Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary.
The last one lingers
on the tip of my tongue.
The house creaks and settles.
You could be anywhere.
The shadows breathe yet all is still.
Beady eyes glint back at us
poor, naïve souls, I think.
I don’t know.
I hope not.
Do you hear me?
Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary.
An insistent knock
from outside the bathroom door,
but with no explanation.
Are you there?
I can put a name
to the face
Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary.
The File Pile 