What the Highest Bidder Forgot to Consider

The witch sees green. She sets sail from door to door.
Her wake fells trees. “What the highest bidder forgot
to consider” was the black and blue broom in her grasp.
—Poet (sponsor words in quotes)

What the Highest Bidder Forgot to Consider

She wanted to draw up a contract for my trees. The leaves,
in a rut, are shaking. Scrupulous her hatchet points
at this one, that one, this and that… Sales in her blood.

What devil taught her her trade? Money grows on trees.
She never heard doesn’t. Her pioneering hooks in oaks.
She’s a palm reader, a ruinous rattlesnake, a rat fink.

I spotted her close by. She held my husband’s eye, but,
as I’ve said there was another pair looking on. “Calamity,”
the silence, of my small bit of forest, whispers, and
goosebumps shatter the hopes and dreams of the lip licker.

Con artist in shootout. She’s not considered their feelings
at all. She’s prepared to pluck them out by the roots
or leave a bloody stump; she’d take them all down
with her double barrels, but the shrew is shrewd.

When my neighbor recommended us, as nice as she was,
the grifter rubbed her palms and cackled, but not too loud.
She met her match. I took her broom, cracked it in half.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Hind Avatar
November 30, 2024 at 12:36 PM
You're sooo gifted, doubt anything could get by you! I loved this!
Rodgers Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Dear Kim, What a striking commentary on greed and the emotional toll it takes on relationships and nature. I loved your sharp language you employ for it creates a powerful narrative. I loved the line: "Calamity, the silence, of my small bit of forest, whispers, and goosebumps shatter the hopes and dreams of the lip licker." This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension between destruction and the quiet resilience of nature. Truly commendable. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Rodrigues Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Thank you, Daniel! I’m glad you liked those lines! Thank you for your encouragement and support! Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
Andresen Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 5:57 AM
- When the broom is broken ... she can't fly away ... "you took the rat on her" (an expression we use ... I don't know if it's used in English :))) - An imaginative and creative poem, Kim :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 11:05 AM
Smiled at your comment! Thank you! Hugs ~ Kim
Buhagiar Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 2:15 AM
A poem that exploits your vivid imagination. There are many witches determined to exploit trees for wood and paper. Great metaphor and perfect ending.
Rodrigues Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 11:06 AM
Thank you, dear Victor!
Rolland Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 12:45 AM
truly a witch, better escape from her, an interesting and charming poem indeed, thanks poet Kim
Rodrigues Avatar
November 27, 2024 at 11:06 AM
Thanks so much, Yann!
Tor Avatar
November 26, 2024 at 2:44 PM
Such a tale you have weaved Kim. Love how you had us gripped to your every word but the ending was the best when you took her broom and cracked it in half. I wish they would have written that part in the Wizard Of Oz. Dorothy taking the broom and breaking it in half lol. That would have been a great moment to enjoy. She didn't so I enjoyed this free verse of yours. Love your theme in this one. Thanks for sharing and blessings...
Rodrigues Avatar
November 26, 2024 at 5:26 PM
Thank you so much, Mike! I’m glad you enjoyed the breaking of the broom…whisk that old witch away…lol
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