Sultry Things

Schwüler Nachmittag - Sultry Afternoon 39 x 39 cm

THE TRIUMPH OF REASON

The woman who runs the bar in this

Spanish village—a formidable

physical presence leaning into

her Formica counter—just might

have the evil eye. Or is that

a Sicilian novelty? Never mind.  

One look from her could silence the devil’s laughter,

could curdle the milk of human kindness

in a dairy run for the poor by very nice nuns.

I feel that I should immediately shield my

crotch or maybe scarf down a toe of garlic

quickly as possible or cross myself 

frantically while muttering   

imprecations as ancient as the vines,

as the olive trees in these hills are ancient. Instead,

as Voltaire and Diderot or Jefferson might have done,

I settle for a chilled out beer and some salted peanuts.

 John Lee Hooker - Annie Mae