Mary watched the course of day, and by night, tended fire. The cinders by the hearth , she swept and let out the door, night demons coming in.

In her bed, she lay uncovered and waiting. He wrestled with her. Daybreak reached her eyes, uncovered them with golden fingers. She hesitated arising, for her crotch was swollen and her belly swelling.

During the course of the day, Mary dipped her pail in the well and lifted it and dipped in her finger and twirled the water until it was beating against the sides. She pulled her finger out and drew blood.

She stained her dress and smeared her face while drinking the water. It was then day became night and Mary ran yelling into the foothills.

We can still hear her today, answering us, screaming for the blood.

© 1990 - 2003 Katharina Woodworth