“Here is witchery and incantation, a poem of deep and darkness, legend and lore. I found so much to like in this earthy piece full of blood and guts.” – Jane Burn, guest editor.
The Tall God in the Wood
the jack knife flicking of red worms
the quickening soup of his mouth
the way my stomach turns
this tall god in the wood
he takes the form of a rooting pig
sloshes obsidian rain down his chin
he has death-cap knowledge
lacy, delicate and so very deep
slugs gather up the vomit
where I retched you out
the lightning tree
the doe keeps me upright
her eyes like crutches
my teeth burn with acid
she saw barbs and serrations
ride the soft cheese of you
that left a snails trail
he, and you
pointed twisted fingers
blacken me with soot
the egg halves around my feet
jagged rim to dome
are fresh white
Susannah has had poems placed or commended in the Plough Prize, Westival International Poetry Prize, the Frogmore poetry prize, Coast to Coast to Coast Pamphlet Competition and appeared in various publications worldwide most recently Pale Fire (anthology of contemporary writing on the moon), For the Silent (anthology supporting the work of the LACS), You Are Not Your Rape (anthology of empowerment and overcoming rape) Strix and Eyeflash.
