Hansel and Gretel

from the Grimm Fairytales

Because they now had nothing to fear, they went into the witch's house. In every corner were chests of pearls and precious stones.

helphelp helpmethesechildren

comeintomyhouse mysweetlovelyhouse

firelight mantra needle pierce open my heart pierce open my heart how it aches

thehunters took my son away

"These are better than pebbles," said Hansel, filling his pockets.

please i am still alive mylungsstillopen please i just

wantedhimback theytookhimaway thehunters topay

the debt of my husband that godless boneless man

sorry excuse of a man i would take this poker

the red ruby in my throat like a mosquito

the veil over my mouth

the black ants over his grave

my skin crawls with the metal pleaseletmeout the heat is

around me ijustwantedyoutostay

Gretel said, "I will take some home with me as well," and she filled her apron full.

littlegirl take it all from me the dolls on the shelves the ballet shoes

my husband took mylittlegirl buriedher in the yard

left her for the sparrows littlegirl take it all i never want

to see it all i hear the sound of pianopianopiano from the little mother

and her little baby by the woods so pure and beautiful

takeitfromme

"But now we must leave," said Hansel, "and get out of these witch-woods."

witchwoods don’t be scared there is nothing

as beautiful as the stillness of these woods

look at the birch trees how quickly they rot

the shiver of the water the kiss

of the dead fish that flutter by

After walking a few hours they arrived at a large body of water. "We cannot get across," said Hansel. "I cannot see a walkway or a bridge."

there are no bridges out once you’ve seen a place like this

when you know what it is to kill

"There are no boats here," answered Gretel, "but there is a white duck swimming. If I ask it, it will help us across."

i asked the canoeman for help

burying my husband

he asked what happened

i was wearing a black funeral shawl