The naked truth about Cheetos, leaving me sweating in my birthday suit. Playing, "Olly olly gluten-free," with a bag of Cheetos. Waiting for my dip to come in with the evening's fries. With catsup on the side, dripping into my beenie weenies without an invocation or a bowl of hominy grits, floating in redneck gravy. Cheetos makes one as lazy and dumb as a parsnip thinking Annie Okra turns tricks. Blaming Gumby for unnatur...

“Look, I know you’re all hot-to-trot on this crazy idea of yours, but just put a lid on it, okay? We’ve got real work to do without chasing ghosts.” “But Sarge, people have been disappearing every year! And they’re always…” He turned on me. “Listen, Minneapolis-fancy-pants POHL-leece man! This is N’Oleans,” he said, deliberately emphasizing his Louisiana accent, “and people disappear here all the fucking time! Especially...

Jerry Lee Lewis has the juice but where has Tabasco gone for my redeye gravy and memories turned to shade on a stone beneath bones of the Magnolia Pluckin' the ol' gitfiddle of one's life with death's obituary and a Dr. Pepper and leftover dreams of sad songs now everyone is goin' away turned to shade on a stone But sing one more song, Jerry Lee, "Whole lotta shakin' goin' on."

A shiver crept up my spine as we walked into the haunted graveyard. Although it was broad daylight, there was something existentially eerie about walking amongst the dead remains in concrete tombs. We had come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but after enjoying the festive Krewe of Zulu parade earlier that morning, I’d gotten sucked into the tour after visiting Voodoo Authentica on Dumaine Street. “Come on,” my friend, Dian...

A bushel full of my eye. In fields of autumn and the cornstalks. With the shadow of the cider mill and the glowing meadows among the pumpkins. Giving inspiration as the wind's calliope dances. Seeking antiquity's faith and salivation. Based on Philosophy from nature's sewing basket. Whispering in my ear, the song of the cicadas with violins and folded wings. In pantomime of memories and old rubber tire swings.

New Orleans. A city of many beautiful colors, parades, and traditions. It is rich in historic homes and buildings. It is known worldwide for its lavish street festivals and outstanding performers. It's known for its grand celebration of the Mardi Gras holiday, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lent season. This time of year brings tens of thousands of people to partici...

I take a deep breath The air is glass Slicing through my lungs I’m choking I lay my head down The bed is made of nails Piercing through my skin I’m weary I drift off to sleep Hands grab at me in the black Ripping at my sides I’m petrified I awake and grab a glass of water The acid stings on its way down Blistering my insides I’m suffering I smile in the mirror A twisted reflection appears My teeth clatter in the sink Surv...

Relegated to passenger status as my love prefers to take the wheel, I peer out my window and gaze upon the clouds. They always have some fascinating story to tell. Some days I see bunnies and bears frolicking about in the sky. But sometimes, the clouds tell a more ominous tale as my imagination takes over. The Dragon’s Tail is an ongoing narrative that began years ago when I was a little girl, lying on the front lawn on a...

In my hand, the sand shaker and the utensil which I scribble. In the throat of the dark, I sleep in the inkwell. Hearing the footfalls of voices. "This little piggy, he brings a fork..." From the shadow space of bedlam's widow. Now a hollow shell on the pillow. Catching a breath, making a cat's cradle from strings of death's library. Inhaling the screams of illicit dreams. Perhaps, another theme. From the inner sanctum of...

I am shackled to the back of your mind For a reason, you cannot find Why do you keep me locked here? I wish your intentions were clear I can go days without sustenance Surviving on the crumbs of your existence Gnawing on the bones of your effervescence Starving for your celestial presence Didn’t I earn redemption? Am I not worthy of salvation? Blood on my hands from a crime I did not commit Sentenced to life for something...

My fingers glide along the weathered marble fountain I can feel the drops of water kissing my skin My eyes peer up as the sun rises over the mountain I breathe in the warm wind; cleansing me from within I reach into my pocket and pull out a copper cent Reminiscent of when it shouted my name from the cement I take a moment to watch it glisten Now it’s the penny’s turn to listen “I wish to be a rose plucked from obscurity I...

In a seance with myself, not suffering ghost. But the dead get lonely. Just ask the next guy, parallel parked next to my stone. I seem to have all the symptoms of a decaying corpse with sagging flesh soaked in formaldehyde. Surrounded by rednecks and fools who squeeze the Ouija. Cemeteries are for wimps, bloating with gas, and playing Lotto with their Harley. Jesus doesn't have 76 tattoos to lead the Cheeto Parade. I am l...

I cried for the world today Turned on the TV news Didn't know what to say I cried for the world today Saw them kick and punch him They thought it was okay I cried for the world today More people were shot dead Only gets worse to my dismay I cried for the world today Fighting, thefts drugs and war Will it ever just go away I cried for the world today Tsunamis, hurricanes, fires From climate change everyday I cried for the...

~~~~~~~~~~ Bear chuckled. “And that’s how I get my supplies.” He sat back and looked at the Girl, waiting for a reaction. She giggled, then looked thoughtful. “But how do you get the money to order stuff?” ' ”That,” Bear said, “is another story for another day. But if you think about it, the answer should be fairly obvious. And no,” he held his paw up. “I’m not going to discuss it, so don’t go asking the questions I know...

Listening to Chuck-will's-widow singing the same song of loneliness as nightjars pulling at my heart when I should be sleeping with the cruise of the night and dreaming of my rocking horse with a wink from mom's eye sailing off in a wooden shoe listening to Chuck-will's-widow and saying my prayers... Amen