October 9, 2018

The Banshee by Elaine Reardon

Wait for the banshee 
to commence wailing
notice her compatriots 
at the river's edge 

Washer women prepare
to wash the funeral
garments in the waters
loosening mortal ties 
knotted through many years.

Tears tumble down faces 
words are murmured, 
tea and spirits are poured.
No one speaks of the banshee 

The Banshee raises her arm
calls the departing one 
to her side   enfolds 
him into her embrace. 









Elaine Reardon is a poet, herbalist, educator, and member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Her chapbook  The Heart is a Nursery For Hope was published by Flutter Press. Most recently Elaine’s poetry has been published by Crossways Journal, UCLA Journal, Automatic Pilot, Nicht.com, and MA Poet of the Moment. You can find her at elainereardon.wordpress.com 

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