Seven Little Poems in the Dark
by
Radiance Angelina Petro

Driving to the library, I ran over a small,
greenish-brown frog. I didn’t see it until it was too late,
and instantly I burst into tears and pounded
the steering wheel. But in that split-second before,
the frog looked noble, its head up, ready.

***

The war on terror ever expands.
Now it includes me.
Who can I turn to but the devil
when I am so demonized?

***

A black cat winds its tail around my leg,
I go outside and the crows unsettle,
I rub my tears into my wrists,
and now I have the power to fly.

***

I need to find the Queen of the Fairies.
I woke up with antlers on my head,
there’s a wolf in the rye,
and all I seem to be able to do is dance.

***

Those who despise me have me running,
and I need to stop. Despair helps me
meet my options with a level gaze.
Many have stood where I stand, and lived.

***

It’s time to remove the nails from the coffins
and sing to the bones of the dead.
When at war, it is wise to have friends
from the other side. Blood was kneaded
into the last supper. I am ready
to take up my sword.

***

The sea provides space for questions.
I just want to kiss someone on the navel
and lower back.
Why am I being hunted? Why do they
want me dead? I know the answer:
I am a mystery, a locked box,
and locks entice the thief.