Ditty of the Shantied Cherubs
by James Martin SpearsA bean in the kettle pops
a raised-Jesus white.
There’s a few in the butter
shaking toasty for a bite
while two tatty children
hover over for a gander,
swooshing up the steam
like they’re filling up their bellies.
Momma, in sheer night gown,
scratches underneath her panties,
gawking at her babies
hoisted on a wooden chair.
Ashes from her smoke
dangle long between her gashed lips.—
The gangly man who banged her
drubbed her ugly all the time.
He lifted all her cash
for a dime bag and a ride
and pocketed her food stamps,
bolting quick before they woke.
Dopers beat him dead right after—
stuffed his body in a bin
behind the corner crack house
where he scored his alone time.
Now, a bean in the kettle pops
a raised-Jesus white—a ratta-tatta jouncing of their pangs.
James Martin Spears has a Master of Arts in English from McNeese State University and is working on an MFA in poetry from Drew University. He currently teaches at LSU.
Copyright 2011-2013 West Trade Reivew
