Card table covered in dusty gauze scarf,
book case with tattered paper backs
two chipped coffee mugs
and one stuffed black bird.
This basement flat, windows dark
gold stars and silver moon
taped on black garbage plastic.
She sits, tarot deck in hand
gnarled fingers poised to read,
nail tips brown from nicotine.
Curling grey wisps of hair
bejeweled barrette, three stones
so obviously missing.
I watch wearily. Smell her breath
and incense stick. Shove down
this nauseous urge. I must hear.
She must tell me what I need to hear.
And she hoarsely begins to speak.
Written for Ms. Quickly’s prompt, this way to the oracle.
Photo Credit: Ruxandra Moldoveanu.
lillian the home poet 
Oh, I can see all of this, so clearly. Well done.
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Ah, thank you my friend! 🙂
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wow I felt like I was right there with you at the reading it was that vivid! You are a master craftswoman! I wrote a poem about tarot too for another challenge. How funny is that? I’m not putting it up until midnight though. 🙂
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I’ll mosey over and look for it! 🙂 Serendipity indeed! 🙂 Glad you liked this one…….
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I did! it’s wonderful. I Shared it on twitter 🙂
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What an environment in which to place one’s trust! But you have well depicted how some do.
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On Boston’s very posh and very genteel Charles Street, there is a sign for a palm reader, hand printed, on one of the beautiful wrought iron rails, leading to a downstairs nondescript door in a historical brownstone builidng……I’ve often been tempted, just for fun. I’ve never seen anyone entering or leaving…..but it’s been there for many years so I’m sure some do.
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Doesn’t seem like you would find such desperately insecure people in those kinds of neighborhood. The ones I know about in my town are sort of in a particular section of town that is pretty transient.
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Yes, yes, but what did she say!!!
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🙂
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These words conjured up the Wizard from Oz, the black magic lady from Cher’s tune…
I was in a small dark room with this piece and it freaked me out a little, Lillian:) Excellent narrative…I don’t want to know my future…
am:)
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Somehow I missed your reply….so sorry! I always love to see how you respond….Love the reference to Cher’s tune. Hadn’t thought of that. Missing you and our daily coffee chats! Hoping all is well with you….wrestling meets, folks, moves, and your marvelous writing and art work.
LOVED the curves on your latest post….
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Never sorry – no worries:)
So very behind in everything. Almost done unpacking my folks. I’ve literally been moving boxes since Thanksgiving – so close to being box-less…yippy!
Then I can catch up…
am:)
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