A Real Witch

A real witch won’t tell you she’s a witch

Twine and needle – sew me a stitch

But you’ll know her when you see her

One-a stitch, two-a stitch, three…

She’ll root you to the floor with nothing more

Four-a stitch, five-a stitch, six…

Than a lock of hair and kindling sticks

Seven… eight.. nine…

When the full moon starts to climb

Tie it off and cut the thread

One dormouse: preferably dead

Put the needle back the tin

Eye of newt and toe of frog

Now stand back – admire your work

Tiger’s claw and baboon’s blood

See the work is well and good

It’s better you don’t let her in

Show it to your kith and kin

Though, really, you’ll be powerless

And watch it weave it’s magic spell

To deny her, to defy her, to untie her

On those you love – who love you well

From your hair – she’ll stick like pitch

Now, unpick them – one by one by one

Still, you won’t unpick the witch

When undone, your work is done