The Ladies of Horror
Picture-Prompt Writing Challenge!
Small Atonement
by Angela Yuriko Smith
Mother, don’t leave me…
the last words I said to her.
as she walked away
but I understand
why she had to leave me there.
I had no father.
The Father found out—
He who protects our small flock
… all except for me.
But I have no blame.
Out of wedlock, I am cursed.
I bring misfortune.
For my father’s lust
I am left here, food for wolves
atonement for sin.
They return in Spring
to burn my small bones with salt
to quiet my soul
placate their god and
chastise my mother for love
and I will be gone…
except she made plans
to keep me here forever.
A bargain in blood
a packet of herbs
a lock of my baby hair
and maternal rage.
I am food for wolves—
a blessing for their bellies—
atonement for sin.
When the flock returns
I will whisper, just for her…
Mother, I won’t leave.
Fiction © Copyright Angela Yuriko Smith
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
More from Angela Yuriko Smith:
The Bitter Suites
Book a stay at the Bitter Suites, a hotel that specializes in renewable death experiences. Whether you schedule your demise as therapy, to bond with a loved one or for pure recreation, your death is sure to give you a new lease on life. Renewable death is always beneficial… at least to someone.
Spreading the Writer's Word 
Dark and chilling, a superb poem.
Great poem – loved the narrator’s voice and he/r simple portrayal of dark deeds.