Voodoo Doll

VOODOO DOLL

I do not know who placed it there.
Left at the bedside by a pale hand, which rocked with a vengeance
The colors were of bruises, cuts, and stains
The body was a purple-mottled cloth with splatters of crusty red smears
The eyes were bulges of grief sewn to the face with ragged thread
Eyebrows of twisted horsehair knotted like a question
A crooked uneasy smile woven in place may hold the secret agenda
The crumpled white tunic and yellow striped pants spoke of Caribbean origins.
Its twisted palms and feet were too large to be real.
Swollen fingers and evil toes reveal abuse by many hands.
A slightly broken mouth with green teeth told of vacant days of no desire.
A small red-felt heart was fixed to the left breast.
The stabbing hatpin with faux pearl head pierced the host.
See the fractured button nose with yawning nostrils.
Arms and legs, misshapen and of different lengths.
The head was circled into a crown of barbed wire, with an odd golden hue.
Ears of Indian corn heard sounds I could only guess at.
Rusty chin staples spoke of tortured pain.
A broken choker of carbon steel took the throat.
A scorched parchment note fixed to the back said it all to any who would listen.
“By this tear-soaked note, I seek your pain and retribution.”
Signed Esmeralda