lot's wives, an american fable

when the one-armed undertaker
built a shadow for his house
he rimmed it proper with crimson
and pennies snatched from town

he rode a mule from there and back
to gather folks about
those who cared came home with him
to share the wonders of his lot

He raised his hand to purify
a gesture feigned for luck
and showed them all that crimson shadow
as the men-folk turned to salt

this was less his slight intention
this passing of the men
as women folk then loved him dearly
no longer captives of their plans


-dp-

12-28-17