Salem
One foggy day
In Salem,
The air was dank
And the fire was crackling.
Cackling filled ears that were waiting for the show;
My ears.
I cleared the calendar to see it,
Cancelled plans so I could witness
The sham.
I positioned my lawn chair
On the dead blades of grass
And I silently waited for the heads to roll.
Noggins hit the earth like hailstorms;
The clattering of brains trapped in skulls of a witch persuasion
Were all that kept the crowd.
Heads fell,
Bodies rose,
Ropes turned crimson,
Tension just thickened.
The jeering that followed
Each punishment:
Truly a testament to mankind.
The show is over;
That was no trial.
The people have retreated.
Defeated are the witches;
The sorcery is gone,
The magic, unspeakable.
I collapse my lawn chair.
I pack up.
I go home.
And as I turn my face,
My money’s worth gotten,
I am pure guilt.
I witnessed the witches
Serve death,
And deaf to peace
The town remained.
I simply sat,
And relived the sights
Of everyday mayhem.
But never did I flinch;
Not an inch,
When in Salem.