The Witch Within Women

“He would find me like that,
an ordinary woman who could rise in flame”
Fast Gas, Dorianna Laux

The oil lamps’ light dimly drapes down across the cobbled road,
The mighty courthouse mounted proudly at the southern end.
Ears of those walking by being soothed with nighttime’s quiet ode,
helping their hearts mend.

Had we been another, it would mend ours too.
Maybe if married, maybe if compliant,
They would see us full of virtue.
Instead they watch us, an exterminator studying a varmint.

But you and I are no less human than they.
Our blood flows, our fingers feel, our legs run.
But we do not listen, we do not obey
What they say is forbidden.

One dreadful, despair-ridden day, you were the victim
Of the war against women.
I’m full of resentment for the vile town of Salem.
Soon, the understanding of my fate begins to deepen.

They watch me as I’m dragged out,
From out of my home, into the stone streets.
They watch me as I’m dragged down their death route.
My head is pounding with my heavy, hazy heartbeats.

Sweat beads fall down my forehead.
I close my eyes and yell my goodbyes.
Surrounded by flames of orange and red,
I was soon met with my demise.

I was no witch. Just a woman.