Photography © Jennifer Matthews

 

Lucifer in a Lamborghini

Who knew the Angel of Death drove a grey Lamborghini?
Prowling the Hilltop, hellion on fire,
serpent of woe and warrants in three states, trolling for souls,
trafficking in flesh and fentanyl.

When you told her that you were coming for her
and that she’d better be ready,
did you mean for you
or her Maker?

Poisoned apple dangled, irresistible temptation
muscled mass of ex-Marine making sure to give her a choice.
Were you racking up your body count on the west side
instead of Baghdad?

Do you prey on the ones you think won’t be missed,
who go willingly, who are so lustful in their need?
An ex-girlfriend said you tried to strangle her, hands of menace.
Did you use a pillow this time, blaming her death on drugs?

I called the squad, you said.
Unresponsive, aquamarine eyes closed forever.
You already knew she was dead.
You just wanted the bitch out of your bed.

Remember you are dust and to dust, you shall return
and you,
you sent her there before we were ready
deceased at 41, on the cusp of Ash Wednesday.

Children from St. John’s clad in blue and beige
genuflect, smiling at the priest
filling the pews, kneeling and ready
for the Communion wafer of the Holy Spirit.

Ash etched onto my forehead in the sign of the cross
I touch holy water, praying.
Painted on the ceiling, a seraphim
stares down upon me.

 

Renee Williams is a retired English professor, who has written for Guitar Digest, Alien Buddha Press and Fevers of the Mind.

Poet/Photographer Jennifer Matthews’ poetry has been published in Nepal by Pen Himalaya and locally by the Wilderness Retreat Writers Organization, Midway Journal, The Somerville Times, Ibbetson Street Press and Boston Girl Guide. Jennifer was nominated for a poetry award by the Cambridge Arts Council for her book of Poetry Fairy Tales and Misdemeanors. Her songs have been released nationally and internationally and her photography has been used as covers for a number of Ibbetson Street Press poetry books and has been exhibited at The Middle East Restaurant, 1369 Coffeehouses, Sound Bites Restaurant in Somerville and McLean Hospital.