Mr. Lucas stood in the back of his pharmacy, looking at his S.C. Certification, his diploma from Atlanta University. He knew he might be in some trouble. Didn’t know what had got hold to him. Every once in a while, he saw a woman with something he wanted. Something she shouldn’t have. He didn’t know what it was, an irreverence, an insolence, like the bitch thought she owned the moon.

“Yeah, that’s right.” Mr. Lucas relaxed. “The whole town knows that child’s crazed. If she says a thing, won’t a soul put no store in it.”

The South in her.

TO RID ONESELF OF THE SCENT OF EVIL*

by Indigo

(Traditional Method)

Though it may cause some emotional disruptions, stand absolutely still & repeat the offender’s name till you are overwhelmed with the memory of your encounter. Take two deep slow breaths, on a 7 count. Then, waving your arms & hands all about you, so your atmosphere may again be clean, say the name of the offender softly. Each time blowing your own breath into the world that we may all benefit from your renewal. Then in a hot place (your kitchen or out of doors) cover yourself in warm clay poultices. Let them dry on you, taking the poisons of the offender out of your body & spirit. Run a steaming shower over your body, allowing all grime & other to fall from you without using your hands or a cloth. Then, run yourself a new tub full of warm water filled with angelica & chamomile. Bring to your bath a tall clear glass of spring water wherein floats one closed white rose. Lying in your fragrant bath, sip the rose’s water, for you are again among nature’s flowers.

*(Violence or purposeful revenge should not be considered in most cases. Only during wars of national liberation, to restore the honor of the race, or to redress calamitous personal & familial trauma, may we consider brute force/annihilation.)

(For Modern Times)

Drink a strong mix of lemon tea & honey. This, if you’ve not cheated, should bring sweat to your brow. This is the poison the offender has left lurking. As you sweat, draw a bath that sends steam up toward your face, if you are on your knees. Take a piece of silk or cotton to which you feel attached & that bodes of happier times. Fill it with caraway seeds. Tie it with a ribbon that is your oldest female relative’s favorite color. Float it in your bath. Stand naked over your tub. Kiss your right shoulder. Then your left. Step breathing briskly into the water. You shall be cleaned of all the offender’s toxic presence.

Chapter 2