Reid@YWP

Set on a lone countryside, the sun shines brightly.

A little toddler, in too-big garden gloves and dirtied overalls holds out a sapling. She kneels down and sets the sapling down …

Two years later

Amelia taught us to soar.

Marie taught us to think.

Sally taught us to fly.

Eleanor taught us to speak up.

Jane taught us to write.

Rosa taught us to stand up.

Anne taught us not to forget our history.

I woke up in the dark, but I was dreaming. Memories of salt and scales. Turbulent clouds and cloying air that choked me. I searched for the ocean rhythm and found only a syncopated beat interrupted by static.

The Monster is massive

with fangs and with claws

all lacquered and sharpened 

sticking out from its jaws

The Monster is ghoulish

with deep, sunken eyes

it speaks whispers of wicked