The Hansel & Gretel Forest-1

The Hansel & Gretel Forest

1
the forest is dense. can be found
along side the 17 mile drive.
appears right as you make a twist.
a look back, beyond the deadwood shoulder.
inside gated communities, a lie in wait.
we’re not talking portals
but grackles that peck and haw after bread crumbs.


they can make it through. little yellow eyes.


the grass is lying sideways, leaning to the right.
broken twigs point west.
Gretel likes to break open her calf bone—sinewy and sweet—
a drop of blood here and here and here.
little red arrows.
if you ask real nice she’ll show you the dent,
little clasp of skin, flapping back and forth.


this is only a bit of it. a sliver of story.
the entering in, can sweep you right under the rug.
supposing you make it as far as that

grackle, caw caw
hop and stop short
soldier of trees seem solid

pull out the chain saw. happy
hacking Hansel. Gretel has already
slipped through. now you’re separate.
the rumble will stir the residents. they’ll send for the dogs—