Covetous of the Covenless

I cordially invite you, nattering ladies, three

peeking through the ivy-dressed windows

whispering audibly about me.

I’ve two doors, one open for easy entry

wipe your boots, come in,

take a load off those aching ankles

My sofa is double-stuffed, rounded

downey tufts fit for a queen.

🔮💚✨🌿🌙

There there, my dear, you’re in an absolute tizzy

take a dram of cherry cordial.

Neatly tucked into my stocked and labeled pantry

under the beet-dyed cheesecloth, sanguine red

attached with a double length of twine.

Just there, Martha, between the jar of

campfire ash and the tin of cocoa powder.

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I am well aware of your mission here

on this auspicious day.

I prepared a brief statement for your

gratification, your lust for rumor finally sate.

Just one moment, get comfy while I find my eyes:

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I have lived my life in quiet contemplation

singing to my many

growing green companions.

The ones you seem so keen to

characterize with malice and

even murderous intent.

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Why?

Could you possibly be projecting your own

black-hearted malevolence?

A plant rarely strikes at weakened targets,

never takes liberties with its

neighbors’ belongings or garments.

Have you ever seen a vine or shrub waltz

into a home, it had not been summoned

to take up temporary residence in?

Act as though it owned the place?

Snoop through drawers or spread false

rumors of the inhabitants?

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I thought not.

Now you’ll find I’ve spent the bulk of my

precious time investing in these Sensible pets.

They’re infinitely docile yet endlessly generous

no matter my request.

There’s no use screaming or trying the door.

As you see the windows, you so brazenly

peeked through, are now barred with

leaves and woody stalks

as the floor roils with vines.

Don’t think you’ll get far; my beauties

take direction exceedingly well.

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So, Martha, Karen, Anna Belle

your questions, accusations

will all be answered now–

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It’s true, all true AHH HA HA HA!

No amount of howling will bring the dogs

charging to your rescue.

You failed to realize no one’s as nosy as you

three meddling biddys.

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A witch you called me?

A withered old crone, enchantress,

a hag, I’ve heard it told.

Well, fiddle de dee, I shant disappoint!

Lily, Daphne, girls, seize these three, and

Dump ’em in the brew for my next potion

I think I’ll make essence of Shrew!

Into the cauldron now, bubble away muscle

from bone, the acid and heat will easily flay.

A rich all-natural nutrient slurry poured out in

the soil to feed and nurture, grow my lovelies

lush and pretty.

Your bones will bake until they crack.

Into my mortar and pestle,

bone meal I’ll manufacture and sprinkle

on the lawn out back.

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Every blade of grass at the old green witch’s shack

delivers a needle-fine prick.

Most of my potions heal and soothe

In fact, I rarely even say a rough word.

The moral of the story?

🔮💚✨🌿🌙

Kindness isn’t blindness.

All disingenuous souls, stay off my lawn!

You’ll never come back.

K.B. Silver