First Crossed By a Gypsy, Now By a Dang Witch

“Close the book, ring the bell, light the candle.” The witch’s words resounded in my ears. My problems now were more than I could handle and so I hoped she’d vanquish all my fears. She stared at me across the darkened room and then commanded me that I must stay until my wish was granted. Then a broom she grabbed, and out the door she flew away! The magic lay in me, the hag had said. I only had to wish with all my might. But with my kind of luck, I might be dead before I’d get what I had wished that night. I sit here still; she’s left me with a curse! No health care yet, and now my back is worse! (sorry to belabor this, but now you see what preoccupies my mind these days!! Linda's contests always seem to bring out this topic for me lately. The gypsy referred to in my title was in my last poem I did for Linda!) By Andrea Dietrich for Linda-Marie's "BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE" Poetry Contest