J.R. Carpenter
After Making Witches
well, I did hear a story
there was an old woman
(I don’t want to mention her name)
a kin-less old woman
(not named in the story)
a hard ticket, a dark complexion
(she never bothered us none)
tiny, with a bun of white hair
she was the bold type
she’d go around the houses attended by her black crackie
(even though dogs weren’t allowed in the community)
everybody gave her what she asked for
(they wouldn’t dare say no)
everything she said would happen, did happen
her words had an instant, transforming effect
you’ll be sorry for that by the end of the month
you’ll be sorry before fall
she meandered along in her battered brown coat
eating snow from the side of the road
she wandered and talked in circles
you won’t be getting me this time
you won’t be feeling so well
she became sick
(ask anybody home now)
the birds were never so thick
the birds came close to the beaches
a giant bird was seen to pass eastward
black under the wing and therefore inedible
a crow came right down there by the window
(I didn’t say anything to anybody)
there was always a black crow following the boat
several boats ran aground the summer after
(piece that together to suit yourself)
there were little whispers, currents of malice
scant details, ambiguous words
hissing, heavy breathing
swishing, as of cloth, and guttural voices
spirits like misty horses rush into the room
a dream that something is going to kill you
you won’t reach harbour this night
you won’t sleep right again
she come right up on her, she come up on her, and she had her down,
and she couldn’t move, she couldn’t even speak, only she was there,
you know, trying to get her breath
don’t mess with her, she’ll tie you up in knots
(that’s what you’re made to believe)
a dark, sly look
(she put a spell on him, see?)
you’ll never shoot another goose
the geese began to die, one by one
you won’t get a fish
you won’t get nar one
no fish, no fish, no work and no fish
dire prediction dashed along with the dishes
you’ll have more trouble than that, too
there wasn’t one person had a bite to eat
(as everyone knew)
you can put your nets out now
the fish return to normal in colour
you’ll have a good season now
just like that the fish come back
(as true as the sun my dear)
the waves calm around them
(yes my dear, you can count on it)
you’ll be alright in a little while
you’ll be better in a day or two
(better treat her good, else)
you’ll pay
you’ll die
you dirt
you blood of a bitch
that’s all, that’s all
there’s nobody knows her today