Swamp Hags

Above the swamp, lights wink and wave
“This way,” in eerie glow.
Beware! These false will-o'-the-wisps
Mean Death; he waits below.

I curb my horse . . . . Whoa, stop ol’ nag!
Oh, soon enough . . . too soon,
The swamp hags’ lair will come in view--
I wish for a full moon.

I check my flashlight’s dimming light;
It merely casts a glint.
There is the morass I must cross,
My mare breaks into sprint.

Her nostrils flare, she snorts and neighs,
Then rears and bolts in fear--
I take a fall, and then I know--
Those swamp hags are quite near.

Nell rears and bolts into the night,
And I lie on the ground;
The furies come in boiling mist--
With piercing, cackling sound.

In frenzied lust the swamp hags whirl
Around me, screeching till
My frightened heart and senses fail
And I yield to their will.