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the crone
by Kristina Woodhillwithin the crowd
she walks the streets
unseen
she feels the
distancing
they've put in place
eyes drape the cloak
to cover flaking years
etched headstones haunt them
when they see her pass
        there's power in her eyes
        don't look! don't see!
        a glance and she may
        turn thy mind from thee
        her power must not
        brush thy soft young flesh
        so quivering and eager
        to be free
the whisperers surr-surr
teeth biting lips
they're chewing on black words
served up as facts
tongues thrilling buds of fear
taste sharp and burst
lust washing o'er
their common dull repast
        there's power in her stance
        don't turn her way!
        her elbow bent
        a hidden move, her sway
        the stick she leans upon
        is but a ploy
        as slow she treads
        as slow she seeks her prey
hoot owl alights
upon the snag's dry branch
red fox pads softly
sniffs her compost bin
the old crone
reaches home as moon awakes
black dog too old
to bark a welcoming
        beware this ancient woman
        all alone
        her peaceful outer visage
        must conceal
        some Unseen powers
        so unnatural
        perhaps there lies
        the reason for our fears
her simple meal
she cooks upon her fire
she leaves some scraps
for dog upon the floor
she strains a bit
to hear the mutterings
and stiffens
for the knock upon her door
10/29/2007 Author's Note: knock, knock....... who's there?....... t'is “I”......
“I” who?..... the fearful “I” that lurks within the “you”
Posted on 10/30/2007
Copyright © 2025 Kristina Woodhill
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Kathleen Wilson on 10/30/07 at 05:22 PM ooooh a haunting poem, an allegory and yet--we've seen this figure pass us on the street, muttering and we wonder--what home what past, what future, who...is it us? is it you? and what will be and what will we all do?? |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 11/01/07 at 11:34 PM Hi Kristina. I love the tone and voice here. too many excellent lines to pick one or two out. I just enjoy the "place" that this is. Thanks. Great read! |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 11/03/07 at 11:47 AM Analogy par excellent of the "fears" within us! |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 11/03/07 at 02:50 PM There is such a stark contrast between "her" and "them" and what they perceive from out of their fears. Fear can be such a powerful catalyst, and sometimes what is born of it isn't too pretty. I like this peek into you analogical mind. |
| Posted by Rusty C Arquette on 11/04/07 at 04:02 AM I love all that is eerie...you have served up eerie well! Going in the Fav File! - RCat |
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