the kid in the front row
of the dim gymnatorium
had dark blue eyes
that gradually widened
along with his mouth
as the actress cackled joyously
over her imaginary cauldron
he could not see
that she was too beautiful
for the ugliness she portrayed
he saw only the beauty
of the aweful horror
her words and gestures
brought to life in him
In the dim cave before him
slime drooled down the rocks
red flames flickered unnaturally
in the evil hollows of her eyes
she was the embodiment
of every suspicion
lurking in night’s shadows
threat in darkening woods
evil in a fireside’s imagination
