Hestia's Lament

Action Figures by Edith Vonnegut

Hestia sighs

"This Domestic Goddess gig is getting OLD!
Back in the day, I was worshipped
Sacrifices were made;
torches were lit
But now
I'm a glorified maid!
My brothers and sisters cavort
and carry on
while I stay here
tending house and raising the kids
Sure, I chose the domestic life
but, damn!
If I have to mop up another puddle of baby vomit
or vacuum one more hairball,
I'm going to scream!
I haven't done my Zumba workout in 3 weeks
and I need a mani-pedi NOW
before my feet look like Pan's!
It's time someone else tended hearth for a while
I'm taking a break-
right after I fish a Ninja Turtle out of the toilet!"

submitted for Magpie Tales, Mag 257
and Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, The Tuesday Platform

Play

I watch your hands

as you strum the guitar

Imagine how your fingers

would feel against my skin

I want you

to run arpeggios up and down my spine

Stroke me

Press your fingertips here

and there

Coaxing

chords of pleasure

Make me moan with

your music.

submitted for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, Sunday Mini Challenge, Carilda Olivar Labra

That Guy

Does anyone know that weird guy over there?

He's been here all night, just to drink and to stare!

Does anyone know who invited him here?

He gives me the creeps with his grin and his leer!

He's been nursing that drink for well over an hour

His hair is so greasy, and he needs a shower!

Everyone else is just dancing and talking

He hasn't moved once; I think that he's stalking!

Not anyone here even knows this guy's name

How'd he get in here and what is his game?

He's holding that cig like he thinks it's seductive

Doesn't he know that it's counterproductive?

Oh my God! Really?!! He gave me a wink

Now I feel dizzy-hey, what's in this drink?

I think that I'd better just go and lie down

If he comes near me, I'll puke on that clown!

submitted for Magpie Tales, Mag 256

and Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, The Tuesday Platform

The Boys

My boys, Soni and Puck

Furry bundles of cuddles, so easy to please

The smallest things make them happy

Tails wagging with glee for throwing their toys

They turn this cynical girl sappy

My dogs

Snuggly, warm, wonderful, sweet bed hogs!

My boys

I'd give them anything because

they give love with abandon and ease

My gifts with four paws!

submitted for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, Flash 55 Plus, Robert Herrick Stanza