October, 2012 - Every Writer

Hallowe’en by Joel Benton (1896)

Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite
All are on their rounds to-night,
In the wan moon’s silver ray

Here in the Indian foothills,
I share a house with a man from Greece

my whale self floats
as mountains
crouch underneath

A gypsy flame is on the hearth,
Sign of this carnival of mirth.

Fine dining in a clearing in the Jungle
Nude, but for my Peacock Choos
Sitting at the table

January afternoon after school

Grandmother sick at heart

I am loud,
Demanding attention.
I know when I am being charming

The rust iron wing of a train horn
pinballs down glass and steel canyons,

Light, please initiate me into your
occult philosophy. Tell me where
you come from when you penetrate
a dusty window in the morning and

Picture me waiting
in the nook by the window,
long skirt spread out, falling
red and wet-looking against