Carolyn Kemp Poet Ode

Stoney Mae

children threw stones
at the steel-gated doors
and ran
laughing at eyes
peeking from tattered shades
the white picket fence
seemed odd in this sub-division

ivy encircled the weather-worn frame
wrapping around the smokeless chimney
covering the dirty window panes
on the house at the corner
of sycamore and elm

her only company
was a cat named puddin
a dog named mr. krum
a parrot she tried to teach
without success
to say
"stoney mae"

dry leaves left from last year's fall
cluttered the yard
along with bottles, cans
and bits of paper
tossed absent-mindedly
by an uncaring society

she shopped early in the morning
mostly for her pets
hiding behind a large straw hat
a black wool shawl
and ragged gloves
she plucked from a neighbor's 
unwanted garbage

some called her crazy
others whispered "mad"
as they passed the shade drawn 
darkened house
that made a sunny day sad
which seemed odd
in this tiny sub-division

it was on one of these bright sunny days
the neighbors made a decision
that had had enough of stoney mae
and wanted her out 
of their quiet sub-division
standing outside of her steel-gated door
they knocked and banged
there was no answer
no sad eyes peeking from the tattered shades
someone turned the knob
pushed opened the door 
which was never locked
a foul, rancid odor escaped to the outside
neighbors pushed to see inside
holding their noses

the shade was pulled up
sunshine filled the room
mouths stjood gaped
faces filled with dismay
just underneath the window 
lay puddin and mr. krum
the parrot was perched
on the body of a woman
chanting
stoney mae! stoney mae! stoney mae!

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