If my body language
isn’t enough for you,
heed these words,
do not approach.
I am to be admired
from afar,
grubby hands will be
swiftly dealt with.
Use a light touch, and tend to me
tenderly, if you’re really invested.
Roll your sleeves up,
and take great care –
more for your sake
than mine.
Am I worth it?
See for yourself.
Snip my thorns,
peel back the layers,
find my heart in there
some where,
then cut my choke out —
I’m all yours.
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 