Sixteen year old Jean hadn’t thought too much about her future when she spread her legs for Damian. She liked Mighty Mouse comic books, she liked vanilla ice cream and black olives, not together, and she liked to kiss boys, until one thing lead to another and first base was in the rear view mirror.

“I’m pregnant.” She said to him right after her first period class in the hall outside his locker as if by telling him this news, she could give away the dilemma, snapping a forward hand-off to him she knew nothing about.

“Shut up. You are not.” He said. Jean thought about the last time she had swimmer’s ear. His words were received with the same force of that newly unclogged ear canal and she felt like running, but instead she went to second period as she had the day before; before she knew that she had a life growing inside of her, effortlessly crawling into a previously visited parallel universe, the place where Mighty Mouse always comes to save the day.

After disclosure day, Jean and Damian avoided each other in the hall and Jean did not wonder if he was relying on Mighty Mouse too, because as far as she was concerned, there was no problem. Sometimes teenage girls don’t get the monthly news, and sometimes teenage girls gain weight and that is when large tee shirts and eating rice cakes can make a difference.

On the night she went into labor, her mother was in a deep sleep downstairs. At first Jean wondered if the red hot candies she ate were the cause of her stomach cramps. “It must be. It will pass,” and when it didn’t, unable to lean on Mighty Mouse any longer, she watched as he flew far far away from her, searching somewhere else for solvable problems.

It was then that Jean realized she had to wake up her mother and tell her she no longer had to worry about her daughter’s weight gain, asking her mother if she would mind calling the doctor.

“Now?” Said her mother. “It’s the middle of the night. What could be so wrong that can’t wait for tomorrow?”

Jean wasn’t in the habit of cursing, especially in front of her mother, but desperate times do sometimes result in unsensible talk. Her words were a cocktail of inexpedient truth.

“God damn it mother. I’m having a baby!”

And that was the night Jean became a mother to a healthy baby girl she named Rose June. Although life was not easy for Jean, she saw to it that Rose June always had everything she needed in life, including, at the appropriate time, the dusty brown box in the attic that had been long tucked away marked, Mighty Mouse comics.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fJvM8eYcpL0

My arms around your neck,

Wrapt in frequency,

Creating a flicker of light

That shines into a new space.

Connecting to moments 

and places where

 I can see your

breath lingering 

In cold air.

I am Playing This Song Again

Living free, in the home

of the shade...

Light pours in, on a

pin-hole parade...

What man’s done to

this world is the cause...

...We must pay by

our own set of laws.

Take back land!...

...Every doe, bird, and fox!...

Take back land!...

What’s occurred lends it's shock,

but the branches and seed

never caused this outrage...

As this outlandish deed

was most surely man-made.

Wanton flaws, worn like

brass through our town...

House of snakes, where the

lead plays the clown...

How we act, turned both

eyes from the cull...

...Has revolved, now we’re

damned to this lull.

Take back land!...

...Every doe, bird, and fox!...

Take back land!...

What’s occurred is a shock,

but the branches and seed

never caused this outrage...

As this outlandish deed

was most surely man-made.

©

4/27/20

Bunny Villaire

(Edit #2)

Pointy limbs ignite

as the sun scathes open sky

from it’s nest bouquet of trees,

where just like a sprawling eye,

the fog of sleep breaks down

as that screen of cloud erupts, and

what was is swiftly switched around

by the music day conducts...

It is in this symphony of morning

Where all sexes, race, and creed,

have a choice to live in gratitude,

and shoot up from their first seed,

fanning as we notice change...

...We, the Children of New Lights!...

In our infancy we cry, exclaim

For that which One was privy

to arise to sight...

...See it as it floods fresh skulls!...

Bathing us with blades from

cutting edges of the dawn...

...Watch us tumble down like

incense ash within Tibetan bowls...

Free of roots, we saddle in...

...Melodic notes align

our true, and sacred song.

©

4/25/20

Bunny Villaire

(Edit #2)

"No sun today," Mused Alice Faye,

The shyest gal west of the Mississippi,

It was impossible to sit and stay,

Farming requires work for survival.

Grabbing keys, coaxing the truck,

Roaring down Trihard Lane,

Praying that this day she'd have luck,

Not to cross paths with Travis.

Sputtered to a stop in the field,

Laying out posts and barbed wire,

Arranging the pattern while she kneeled,

The faint hum of the KTM found her,

Cursing quietly so God wouldn't hear,

Alice Faye busied, digging holes,

Pulse matching the engine so near,

Driving home was simply not an option.

Screeching brakes signaled an arrival,

Head down, Alice steadied the first post,

The tobacco scent gave away her rival,

It was Travis, and he was hell-bent.

"Sugarplum!" He drawled, spitting at her feet,

"Take a break with me by the lake."

Flashbacks of shame ignited facial heat,

Grabbing a sledgehammer, she ignored.

"Sweetheart." The tone was impending,

"Come now, I'll make you feel better."

Ironic, he was why she needed mending,

Courage mustered, she shook her head "no".

My what a fantastic, freeing feeling!

A new movement not once used,

Unscrewing rusted tools left her reeling,

Neck forced an unfamiliar fouetté.

Blinking rapidly, Travis rubbed his eyes,

Barks of laughter as he asked once more,

Insistence up, would "no" be her demise?

Courage ebbs, hands slack the hammer.

Alice Faye looked into that monster's face,

Flashbacks haunting her very core,

Strength returned as she stood her place,

Memories threatened to become future.

"No!" She swung the sledgehammer down,

Post nestled deeper in soil,

Others heard it four miles away in town,

But perhaps Travis lacked his senses.

He dared repeat what he already said,

Many times that day, and others before,

Made her so mad she slammed the lead,

Onto the post, screaming once more.

"No no! I won't go, you can't make me!"

Pounding easily on the next post,

Energy zapped through viens fiercely,

Using this power she rushed on and on.

Each slam of the hammer resulted a shout,

"No Travis, no messing anymore!"

Couldn't even hear Travis plead and pout,

Sun seeped to night, stars bled out glow.

Alice Faye stood back, squinting by moon,

Shocked at fence length, over a mile,

After her outburst Travis had left soon,

Smiled despite ache and exhaustion.

The no, spanked out as a wee child,

Found it's way home to her instinct,

Feeling brave, outspoken and wild,

Throw off halter, built her own boundary.

The bats flapped their wings, moving along in the cool night~ just above a cemetery. A hand emerged out from the ground and then an arm, after a short while- the being pulled itself out from the grave and started walking toward the streets.

In a little while, it arrived at the front door of a small house. The lights were all out, except for the outdoor security lights.

It placed its bony hand on the door knob, & twisted the handle. The door opened and it sniffed the air. Ah, there was a human in the house.

The young lady stretched her arms and placed her head on the pillow. She yawned, and soon drifted off to dreamland.

As soon as she fell into a deep sleep, it came by her bed and smiled. She had covered the rest of her body...it was only her feet that were out of the covers.

It pulled out a blade and with a quick motion it was done cutting what it needed. The being rushed off and shut the front door.

A piercing scream was heard even through the streets. The lady sobbed and stared in horror at her feet. Where were her toes?

#MODUS #OPERANDI

17th April, 2020.

The Sheriff looked back at his deputy. This was getting out of hand. The others would have to be told what they just discovered.

Adam smiled with pride. His father had saved them all from the monsters that had emerged from the woods. Adam’s Mom saw Paul’s expression. He was trying to keep calm, but she knew the Sheriff’s expressions and could almost tell whenever he was trying to be brave for the sake of others.

Susan walked over to Paul and asked to speak with him privately. They walked a little further away from the group. She gazed into Paul’s eyes and moved her hands to touch his face. Paul sighed.

He looked at Susan and said, ‘‘Donny just let me know that he believes there are still more of these things roaming about. The one he had faced had been shot and injured by the shoulder. It’s not the one that I put down by the pews.’’

Susan leaned closer toward Paul and lowered her head on his chest. This time he pulled her close and embraced her. She hugged him and felt much better knowing that he was around to make things better for her and Adam. Susan might not have wanted to admit it to him, but she loved Paul and would love him for as long as she lived.

The sound of banging and creaks around the church startled them. They rushed back to the others and hugged their boy, Adam. He was glad to see his parents smiling, even in such a scary time.

The deputy sheriff asked the Paul, ‘‘What now?’’ Paul shook his head. Maybe they should have all left town the minute these things showed up from the woods.

‘‘Sheriff?’’

Paul heard the group call him. His body was with them, but his mind felt like it was being pulled away from the church and back to seeing Tim. Paul snapped out of it, and grabbed his rifle.

Susan planted a kiss on Paul’s cheek. ‘‘Be careful.’’

The deputy sheriff and a small group of other men gathered together to make a plan. The older folks, the women and children stayed together by the front pews.

The Sheriff and his group dashed to board the windows more securely. They had to at least make sure that no more of these creatures could get inside the building.

‘‘How long can we carry on trying to take these things down? I wonder how many we have to face...’’

The Sheriff replied, ‘‘Hey, we just have to do our best. Maybe if they fail to find a way in, they might stop attacking and move on.’’

The deputy sighed. ‘‘Okay. I sure hope you’re right. Once this is all over, I may have to take a vacation and go to New York.’’

Paul chuckled and smiled. Even at a time like this, Donny could find a way to make the moment feel leas bleak.

Donny took a deep breath. He almost felt like screaming when he heard the more bangs on the door.

The rest of the team felt on the edge of going crazy and just using their weapons to fire at the door. The Sheriff told them to be calm, and keep their eyes on alert.

The banging by the door soon came to a halt. The Sheriff wondered why it had stopped. Then the group heard loud noises coming from above the church.

‘‘They must be on the rooftop!’’ Donny exclaimed.

The Sheriff decided that they needed to split up and check the church rooftop. The group looked at Paul as if he was out of his mind.

The deputy said, ‘‘Um~ okay. Let’s go guys. Move out and follow through with the plan.’’

Paul and Donny led one part of the group to the top floor of the church. The rest of them remained to watch over the folks who were at the main section of the church by the front row pews.

Donny felt a powerful wind blowing and flowing from an open window. He nudged the Sheriff and showed him the window.

‘‘No- this is really bad. We have to head back with the others.’’ Paul ran and rushed to the pews.

By the time he got there he heard the creatures and spotted some moving on the ceiling. He felt his heart miss a beat. There was no sign of the group. He couldn’t see Susan, or Adam, anywhere. Where were they?

Donny fired his rifle and it nearly made Paul jump. The creature that Donny had injured snarled and tried to run away.

Paul thanked Donny. He asked, ‘‘Any idea where the rest of the group is hiding?’’

Donny shrugged. ‘‘They could be hiding in the basement. It was a good spot for them not too long ago.’’

Paul said, ‘‘Yeah. I guess so. We need to find a way to make this work. One creature is down, another one that you faced is bruised. The only problem is I really don’t think we can keep at this for long. Those things are fast, and we need more weapons.’’

Donny placed a hand on Paul’s shoulder. ‘‘Not to worry. Those things may be fast, but we can find a way to defeat them.’’

Paul nods and goes to check the basement. He knocks on the door. ‘‘Can someone open the door, please? Are you all okay?’’

There’s a click and the door is opened slowly. Susan smiles at Paul and says, ‘‘We may have found way out of here.’’

‘‘Show me.’’

One man points to the back and Paul sees some kind of secret passage hidden behind a bookshelf. Paul asks, ‘‘Where does it lead?’’

Another man responds, ‘‘We don’t know. It’s better than trying to go out using the front door.’’

Susan nods and Adam hugs his Mom. Donny makes it to the group and asks, ‘‘What is that?’’

Paul replies, ‘‘A way out of here. We better get these folks moving before those things realize where we’re hiding.’’

Donny agrees and starts helping Paul take people through the tunnel. They move in and close the entrance to the secret passage.

Paul grabs his torch and lights the way. Donny asks, ‘‘How far does this thing go?’’

Paul says, ‘‘I hope it can lead us far from this part of the woods away from these creatures. A place that’s safer.’’

Susan holds Adam’s hand, ‘‘Come on kiddo. Let’s get going.’’

Adam smiles and looks behind him. He waves at a young boy who waves back.

Susan wonders what Adam is staring at. Then she looks behind, too. But she doesn’t see anyone there.

After a while of walking by torchlight, they see a light at the end of the tunnel. Paul and Donny lead the group to an opening. They walk out and find themselves by a cottage.

They look around and see a road not too far. Donny smiles.

Paul tells the group they will have to stick together and no one must wander off alone. Susan and the other folks sigh. They cheer and head to the cottage. Luckily, it has enough space for them all.

Donny looks at the tunnel and stares at it. He hopes he doesn’t have to worry about seeing the creatures anymore.

**************************************

Later while the group all sit back and relax, Donny heads outside to enjoy the fresh air. He hears footsteps approaching. Donny turns around to see that it’s only Clair.

Clair laughs. ‘‘What’s the matter? There is nothing to be afraid of. It’s only me. I don’t bite.’’

Donny sighs and laughs. ‘‘Come here, you.’’ He pulls Clair and gives her a hug. She laughs, again.

He smiles and closes his eyes. The moment he does, images of the creatures flash like a nightmare. He opens his eyes and gasps.

Clair places her hands around his neck. ‘‘It’s all right. We’re safe here.’’

(NOT TOO FAR AWAY FROM THE COTTAGE)

Branches snap and break. Something watches the group from the shadows.

It waits for the others to arrive from the other part of the woods. These people needed to be taught a lesson.

They had to pay for the way that they had treated the woods. How silly of them to think that they could easily escape from the windigas.

#WINDIGA

She had poisonous fingers and sharpened nails made to slice.

You thought walking alleys was a good idea at night time.

You had locs so long and and persona so bright.

I was searching for a new name and quite frankly, a new life.

Your day had come, but I can't say I had nothing to do with it.

I knew her and had asked her to be the culprit.

So now your name is mine - my new identity seems fit.

Your story ended, so I will rewrite it.

"Will you marry me?" Roger says matter of factly, catching me off guard, because who expects to be proposed to in the plumbing section of Home Depot with a bald dude three feet away in an orange apron tied at the waist stocking copper couplings? Could it be Roger can't contain his primal instincts to lock me down after I discussed at length the pros and cons of PVC Pipe versus PEX Pipe riding slightly above the speed limit on the ride here; one arm slung over the steering wheel in the left lane on 495, border line tailgating the Ram 3500 in front of me? After all, we have only been dating for three months and my first reaction is to ask him if he is joking because he has this way of making inappropriate jokes at inappropriate times, which I like; sometimes, to a point, but also makes me alternately question if he's "the one" or just a fuck buddy.

Like when he said on our first date; and neither one of us had taken more than three sips of our PBR, "My mother died of cancer last week but that's okay I've got another one."

"Oh. I'm so sorry." I said with grievous eyes looking right at him. "But what do you mean by you've got another one?"

"Just kidding. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention." He replied, and I 'bout spit my beer out laughing, deciding right then and there I was going to go home with him, and between you and I, his personal plumbing did not disappoint, if you know what I mean.

And then two weeks into seeing him, he meets one of my girls, Sheila, for the first time at Jimmy's where we like to hang after work and he says, "Hey," to her, shaking her hand feverishly making her shoulders hit her ears, catching one of her dangly silver earrings on her sweater, and then he blurts, "You might want to wash your hands. I just took a dump and there was no soap in the men's room." That one I didn't like much at all, apparently neither did my friend Sheila. The proof was in her deadpan face.

"WTF do you see in him?" She texted the next day. Somewhat embarrassed, I sent her a poop emoji back next to a laughing face, and I haven't heard from her since.

So what would you do, when a guy like Roger asks you to marry him with shower heads and toilets stacked at eye level and Behr paint cans shaking random colors one aisle over? Should I assume this proposal is just another one of his "got ya" jokes, or is this thing we've got going the real deal, like in a "till death do us part" real deal? And if he is serious, am I? Will I tire of his so called humor and find myself out shopping for a new guy that knows how to stick his funny bone in reverse on a dime to oblige my primal instincts? So I think to myself why don't I do what Roger does when it suits his own prerogative and conjure up a "got ya" joke of my own to throw him off guard. This way if he is only joking about the proposal, no foul, and if he isn't, it should bide me some time.

"I'm sorry Roger but I can't marry you."

"Why?" He asks, and he looks seriously dejected and I think, "Oh shit he's serious."

"Why, you ask? Okay why? I'll tell you why," half smiling like my answer might be a joke, because maybe it is and maybe it isn't, damn if I know, and I can see the hopeful anticipation reflecting off his teeth as he waits for my answer, but I'm totally drawing a blank with a comeback punchline. Maybe it's because I just don't share his talent for quick wit, or maybe I don't totally embrace it, I don't know, when suddenly the shiney new toilet I'm staring at right in front of me, reminds me of something I noticed in his bathroom and I decide to dump it on him.

"Why. Because you hang your toilet paper with the loose end hanging inside next to the wall, and if you ask me, that just ain't right." And the guy in the orange apron looks up at me and nods a definitive "that's what's up girl" at me. It is perfectly clear in this moment, neither I, nor Roger can extract any shred of humor from my words, simultaneously understanding, "This relationship isn't gonna work."

Lets face it. I'm not that funny and besides, no one can find the humor in a till death do us part life burdened by the constant reversal of toilet paper rolls. Am I right?