Black Carnations

by Bill McCloud

WBPC Winner - Pushcart Nominee

Her father was a crop-duster
who would speak in Tongues
And each time he did she would
never remember what happened
next until many years later when
she suddenly began remembering

She would ask boys to
take her out north of town
to look for the Spook Light
It was there she learned
the history of her tongue
It was there she was taught
the language of spies

She loved to talk about
the magic of flat rainbows
and black carnations
while drinking red beer

She’s been gone now for many
years but some day I will
show you the rock where she
carved her initials right next
to those of Jesse James