***

blister skin with charms and hexes
stitch your wounds with lines and X's
names remember that have wronged you
witch-wayed spirits come towards you
hear them laughing at your fortunes
hear them cry when you are tortured
hear them promise your redemption
but their names you do not mention
coven closes in around you
sounds of birds and smell of bayou
tuck your fear under the belt
you can only blame yourself