The October Music: Fourth Verse - Day 1

Karma Bonfire

I earned this, in a way. It all makes sense in some cosmic balancing of the scales, really. I mean, I had been the first to cry ‘witch’. That ugly little troll Patience had overstepped her boundaries. She had allowed herself to be courted by Thomas. She knew he was mine. MINE. Our parents had been talking for a long time and she knew that. Everyone knew that. She didn’t care, though. All she cared about was letting Thomas court her and then maybe becoming his wife. About leaving me out in the cold. I wouldn’t have it. I couldn’t.

So I lied. I know it’s a sin, but I think God will forgive me. I went to Father Michael and told him that I had sinned. He sat me down and urged me to confess, so I told him I had been out past my bedtime three nights ago. I felt so guilty about disobeying my parents, but it was such a beautiful night and I had heard tell of a bush of fireflies just down the road. So, I had snuck out when all the lights were out and made my way to where I had been told. On my way there, though, I saw a glow from the woods. Curiosity got the best of me – another sin – and I carefully crept over to where it was. Peering into the glade, I saw Patience dancing, naked as a jaybird, around a roaring fire. Behind her, a large dark shadow watched and hovered. Patience was speaking in tongues that I could not understand. Fearing for my soul, I rushed back home and crawled into bed. Yet, the guilt weighed upon my heart so I came to confess. Was I in trouble?

Father Michael said nothing for a moment, then told me to say five ‘Hail Mary’s for disobeying my parents and thanked me for bringing this knowledge to his attention. He had heard whispers of witchcraft in the area – a coincidence I find wonderful – and now he had proof. He told me to go home and that he would have need of me soon.

Things moved quickly after that. Patience was hauled before the court and accused of witchcraft. My testimony, complete with tears, sealed her fate. She was burned five days ago, swearing to the end she did nothing wrong. Only I knew the truth and I would take it to my grave.

However, I knew not what I had unleashed. More and more girls, women, and even animals have been accused and executed of witchcraft in the few days since. How fitting it was that Thomas himself accused me of seduction and being a witch. I saw his eyes filled with sadness and anger and knew it to be his and Patience’s retribution. 

Now, I stand here, tied to the pole. The sticks around me have begun to flame. The heat grows unbearable. My final confession grows near but is only thus:

I would do it again.