Just off the Trail
Hiking after dusk
Something rustling in the leaves
I see something there
Pale flesh on moonlight
The smell of freshly turned soil
Too dark to be sure
I already know
But have to be positive
Steel myself to go
My legs are steadfast
Stomach turning, palms sweating
Eyes don't want to look
A thin band of gold
Rising from beneath the earth
A young woman's hand
Hastily hidden
In this sorry shallow grave
Where is her killer
What was it I'd heard
Rustling through these thirsty leaves
Something behind me
I thought it was hyperbole
I found the first one
Heart extracted from her chest
Out in the garden
The second body
Sat rotting by an oak tree
Enjoying sunsets
Body by body
It was easy to find them
Following her clues
I had to wonder
Why did she show them to us
Why did she trust us
Seventeen corpses
Seventeen victims of love
Her collection of hearts
It was poetic
It was sensuous and dark
It was beautiful
Undeniable
Oh Sushi what have you done
It wasn't fiction