MOSS WITCH

from the everglades

deep in the everglades
beneath the drapes of spanish moss
gracefully drifting from ancient cypress boughs
like antique hand tatted lace
the giant egret hesitates in his stalking
there is a chilling silence
for the moss witch is near
she glides across the thick water
on her throne of petrified bones
taken from alligator rolled and half eaten foolish humans
who entered her land without respect and proper ritual
her chariot is drawn by children’s nightmares
harnessed by ribbons of screams and blood
this is her realm
she rules supreme
even the alligators and water moccasins bow
as she gracefully passes by
wrapped in cloaks of moss and algae
fastened with clasps of death and decay
she nods gently with approval
to those who bow to honor her passing
she lives with question
confident and bold