(The song of Chikankata's witch)

He broke the bones of the animals, eh; [1]

Just leave the rest to me.

Rattle those bones and stew the bark:

Revenge for all to see.

A wintry moon and scurrying leaves;

The naked trunks - a fallen man.

A draughty corner filled with 'flu,

But this is the night for me.

The devil's clutch will grip their throats,

And anxiety fuse the mind,

But my potions and I will get the blame,

And that[s how I'd have it be.

I'm of Hecate's clan [2] and of Endor's line [3] ,

Yet a mortal woman I,

They may fly through the sky with a broomstick high,

But my buxom feet are on the ground.

'[1] will repay', is the half-truth told

To believers of the Book. [4]

Who is He that I should leave

My rancour all to Him?

I'd rather do it all myself:

It's loveless, safe and sure.

They'll pray for me then anyhow,

And forgive my wretched toil.

He broke the bones of the animals, eh;

Just leave the rest to me.

Rattle those bones and stew the bark;

Revenge for all to see.

24 June 1969

[2]  Originally a goddess of the wilderness and childbirth, now of witchcraft

[3]  The witch King Saul consulted - 1 Sam 28:7

[4]  Romans 12:19