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Anna Cates

The Poison Tree

I stand at the crossroads and peer back at who I was. I nearly mistake it: a lifeless body slumped beneath the tree. I taste the bittersweet knot in my throat. What have I done? I draw closer, beholding, to my horror, only myself!

Poisoned apple—
Sunset's blazing venom
Through the branches . . .
Who would have guessed
The import of a snake?

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About the Author

Anna Cates lives in Ohio with her two cats, Freddie and Fifi, and teaches writing, literature, and graduate education online.  Her most recent poetry collections include The Golem & the Nazi (Red Moon Press) and The Journey (Wipf & Stock).