Witch

Joseph Stanton

This forest heavy with dark humor

frames direst need into a candied home,^[1]

whispering lies of taffied architecture,^[2]

a sweetmeat trap for the lost or abandoned.^[3]

An oven is a place to warm the heart

for hags who favor giblets with their meals.

This witch loves to devour every part.^[4]

She likes to see to all the small details.

She smiles to show she has no grudge, no gripe.^[5]

Her hunger is the only thing she feels.^[6]

No malice makes her want to take your life.^[7]

Your bones she'll toss upon the apple peels.^[8]