Wife Wanted


Wife wanted, the cowboy wrote,
must be able to clean the barn,
cook and wash,
and polish my boots.

She can't be so big
that she can't ride a horse,
or so slim that a blue northerner
will blow her away.

It would help if she likes kids,
I have six, the last I counted.
The woman I want must
believe in God,
BUT not mind cussing at
round-up time.

Just a few more items
now remember I don't want much.
She must be able to drive a truck,
medic a horse or cow as needed.
String wire, drive a fence post, bale hay
and pick up the mail.

It's only twenty-five miles to the mail box.
One last thing and then I'm done.
One of those modern feminists
need not apply.

Mary L. Layfield



Mistress of Darkness


Mistress of Darkness,
ruler of chilling torment,
summon me!
Take my warm flesh,
clasp it, hold it,
kiss it with cold lips.
Rip the sunlight from my eyes,
give me the night!
Let me drink in moonlight,
pale, ghostly wine
for a shivering mortal.
Heartless queen,
you remember not-
what it is to love!
Yet you cruelly,
seize from me
that very precious thing!
He stands now-a mockery!
Hollow, empty, alone
yet he calls me!
Now only you, foul mistress,
can bridge the gulf-between!
Here in your vile chamber,
I wear my wedding gown.
I will turn my back
on sunlight and wed the night!
My bridal bed-a marble sarcophagus!
My bouquet, withered flowers
and the groom's name is
Death!

Mary L. Layfield



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