Image by Beverly Tan
Waneta Gerard reacts to Carlene Washington-Baruch's confession regarding her relationship with Waneta's undead brother, Willy
By the Light of the Moon
Zoraida Robles is a fool
But some of what she's saying rings true
She says that you and my brother
Have become lovers
That you are breaking the rules
It is fact, the young necromancer revealed
I cannot disguise how I feel
It was not my intention
To defy all convention
But my love for your brother is real
The Counsel brought Willy to Uncle and me
To see if we could help his spirit take leave
His soul is trapped by a spell
Cursed within his corpse to dwell
Moving only when the full moon sets him free
The voice of his soul I could hear
To me he is so very dear
I was present when he rose on that night
Moving through icy embers of the moonlight
The breeze came through the window so clear
Then it hit me like a hand 'cross my head
It's only his body that's dead
He's been kinder to me
Than anyone else ever could be
While I love him, I can never feel dread
I love your brother so very well
For him I'd endure any hell
They smear my name with mud in this town
Into the puddle I'd step and drown
Before allowing my feelings for Willy to quell
Dear girl, I said, I understand
I'll help in any way that I can
But make no mistake
They'll burn you at the stake
If they learn you have an undead for your man
Now I must think of a way
To keep the young sorceress safe
Though short in her sight
Her intentions are right
I can't decide if she's foolish or brave
~Wanda~
Note:
This poem goes with a story that I began creating after our Real Cie told me about a strange dream she had.
The story takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic society in which magic has replaced technology. The protagonist is Carlene Washington-Baruch, an apprentice necromancer. She and her uncle Lester Baruch agreed to assist soldier named Willy Gerard, who, along with Carlene's parents, was killed under suspicious circumstances. Les raised the orphaned Willy as his own son in years past.
Les insists that the town counsel bring Willy's body to his home, as Carlene senses that his soul is still attached to it and there is danger of Willy becoming a revenant unless he can be assisted through magical means. While his body is in safekeeping with Carlene and Lester, Willy's spirit begins communicating with Carlene and they form a forbidden connection.
Lester and Willy's sister Waneta are sympathetic to Carlene and Willy's plight. However, the couple have many more enemies than friends.
The story is in its formative stages. Something about the prompt and the picture triggered this poem.
Cie and I just started a blog for the story, By the Light of the Moon, which can be found here.
