Sticks & Stones

She said she’d made a collection up

Of certain sticks and stones,

To cast a spell in a paper cup

That drank, would break his bones,

She followed him to the mountain top

And down to the pebbled beach,

But every time she got close enough

She found he was out of reach.

He’d seen her sat at her cottage hearth,

He’d watched her casting her spells,

He knew that something quite dreadful was

Heading his way as well,

She’d not been over forgiving when

He’d been well caught in a lie,

And watched the remains of repulsive spells

As they came stumbling by.

He got in the way of avoiding her,

He wouldn’t respond to her call,

That’s when she made her potion up,

No-one would have him at all!

She had a draught that would bring him down

If ever it passed his lips,

She cast her spell from the deepest well

And it only took two sips.’

He turned his collar across his face

You could only see his eyes,

Then swept on up with his cloak in place

When she slept, as the moon would rise,

He seized the potion sat on the hearth

And he poured it down her throat,

And heard the crackle of breaking bones

As she screamed, one long, high note.

She lies awake in the cottage gloom

But she can’t quite make a fist,

Her spells that lie in the darkened room

Are beyond her shattered wrist,

While he will sit, and read them aloud

Though he never will see her smile,

For every spell is part of the shroud

He will torch in a little while.

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[TPK Stories]

Nice twist of trickery and deceit.

[andrew mitchell]

Trickery or deceit lies in your tales.Nice writing!

[Breanna Riddle]

I love it. Every times I read your work I become transfixed by it. It's always so captivating. I can't wait to read more. It was so nice at first and the plot twist was great. You always know just what to write to leave your readers wanting more. Great job and Thanks for sharing :)

[R Smith]

A tale of horror and witchcraft as only you can write my friend, great work my friend:

I may not be on here soon for a while so I hope to be able to keep seeing your work on Facebook, thanks for all the great tales my friend :)

[David Lewis Paget]

There is always a link from Facebook to the latest on WritersCafe Richard. Don't lose touch, David.

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing tale my friend. Title caught my attention and the good tale took me to good places and dark places. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Valentine]

How gruesome...not only getting even...but enjoying the deed. Then turning the tables. Valentine

[richieb]

Good tale of turning the tables. I expected the man to be the victim. Potions and revenge are bitter when the plan goes south. I know their were a few ladies who would have enjoyed giving me such a potion in my younger days. Enjoyed your poem David.
Richie.

[M. L. F.]

Again a lovely tale told within the poem. A creepy one at that. I love the twisty ending David. As always, great work...
..Misty

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A story within a few short lines, I adore your use of drama in context, well done, good read.