I knew a real Witch

I knew a witch, in real life

One like on the Wizard of Oz

Always dressed in a black dress

With a sneer on her face

Once a week, she would be in her yard

With a big canvas bag of salt

Slowly, hunched over 

She would spread the salt around her house

I was terrified of her and her antics

She would come to our home

Gnarly fingers, ringing the bell

We would all scream for someone else to answer the door

In her arms and inside a bag she carried

Cobalt blue glass bottles

She claimed it was homemade perfume

My mother seemed frightened and bought one

It smelled horrible, and I was sure

It was some kind of witch potion.

Throwing it away, I wrapped it in newspaper

Just in case the witch checked our trash

One day, the Witch came again

We were all frightened

My mother yelled to me to say

"I'm not home"

Taking a deep breath,

I opened the door and saw her

Dressed in black

Cobalt blue glass bottles in her hands

Opening the door, just to peek my head outside

The witch stood there solemnly

Almost crying and trying to be a good daughter

I blurted out the words-  "My mom told me to tell you, she isn't home"

Realizing what I said

A witches curse, to be sure

I thought of Dorothy

Wishing, the wicked witch was dead

 This is a true story.  She was an old Italian lady and spread salt around her house to keep the "evil spirits" away.  Now, that I am older, I realize she did make the lavender scented perfume to sell to earn extra money.  She was a widow for many years.  And, she always wore a black dress.  I guess, she was in mourning all those years after her husband died.  I did think she was the wicked witch in the Story, though Mrs **** was a little on the chubby side.   I always crossed the street to the other side when walking to and from school.  Horrified to pass her home.  My mother did come down to the stoop where I stood before Mrs*** and embarrassed told her that I was playing a joke and she was home the whole time.  She gave me a look like I was in for it, and yes, I did get it.

Wysteria