Cajun Mutt Press Featured Writer 10/29/21

Frozen Charlotte

Skin, blue,
like mistletoe berries
under her midnight sun, she
sways and hums
to the tune of fireflies
in flight
and whispers upon the wind
though bare branches.
Night’s chill rests, warm,
upon bare shoulders
in want of cover, but
the anima
and blood
are numb to Winter’s sting.
So, she dances,
the wreath of Spring,
long fallen away,
beyond the crystalline grasp
of icy fingertips
(or loving hands).
Falling
silent and still—
a night heron frozen, midflight—
she turns, slowly,
to me
and the offending glow
of yellow lamplight
on bedroom walls (reflected in my eyes),
until thoughts pull her
away
in cold procession
back
into the taciturn embrace of
Night’s song
and that baleful moon, above.
So,
she dances,
unknowing (uncaring)
that she’ll be alone
for the next thaw.

David Estringel is a writer/poet with works published in literary publications, such as The Opiate, Azahares, Cephalopress, North Meridian Review, Poetry Ni, DREICH, Horror Sleaze Trash, Cajun Mutt Press, Terror House Magazine, and The Blue Nib. His first collection of poetry and short fiction Indelible Fingerprints (Alien Buddha Press) was published April 2019, followed by three poetry chapbooks, Punctures (Really Serious Literature – 2019), PeripherieS (The Bitchin’ Kitsch – 2020), and Eating Pears on the Rooftop (Finishing Line Press – July 2022). His new book of micro poetry little punctures, a collaboration with UK illustrator and artist, Luca Bowles, will be released in 2024 by Really Serious Literature.