They Don't Burn Witches Anymore

By Kate MacAlister

no, they don’t burn witches anymore

they blame victims
shame sluts

catcalls
a familiar
always by my side
one step ahead
or the steps heavy on
the pavement behind me
at night
when the keys cut my skin
and I call upon my sisters
knowing they cannot save
me
this time

our grimoires
are
a collection of battlewounds
between my legs and on my throat
when we told you again and again
or couldn’t say
No (no) No

They don’t burn witches anymore
the
tell tale sign
the devil’s mark
lingers in
my voice
when I summon
our spirits
to gather
when you sentence our mother
to the stake
poisoning our waters
making our bodies
prisons of flesh
as if it was written in the stars

They don’t fear witches anymore

but their buildings shake
and hands tremble
when they point their fattened fingers
“What a fucking bitch“

(Witch)

it is not a curse
declining this deal of indulgences
I know why
I know why

They don’t burn witches anymore

for
we are already
set on fire

Writer, Social justice witch and medical student Kate MacAlister discovered the art of poetry as a healing ritual many years ago. Her poems conjure spell-binding images of intricate inner worlds and the struggles in our contorted society. She tells stories inspired by her work that have been published in various online literary journals and printed anthologies. Whether it is her work in the hospital or fighting the patriarchy: above all these are stories about human connection and the dreams of revolution.

Looking for support writing your book or editing your manuscript?
Learn more at Book Year to work with Megan.