This is the month of romance for many so I thought it’d be the appropriate time to introduce my 1st guest blogger of the year, author, poet, mystickal woman, LAURA STAMPS. Laura and I have been long time internet friends and have supported each other’s creative endeavors, so I felt who better to guest blog in February as her work is seductive, romantic, erotic, creative and artistic! She writes magickal poems, erotic novels and much more (see bio below). So here’s an original poem by Laura accompanied by my artwork that I selected because I believe it illuminates her beautiful words….so enjoy this pre-Valentine treat!
“Actually, She’s The Friend Of A Friend Of My Best Friend” by Laura Stamps ©
“Don’t worry,” he says. “It’s true. I’m
older than I look.” How did he know
I was thinking about that? I study his
face again, the smiling face of this stranger
I’ve just met. Maybe I missed something.
Maybe it’s that odd ruggedness lurking
beneath his youthful features, those sharp
edges softened by playfulness. They tug
at me. It’s as if he’s experienced more
hardship than he would ever admit.
Although maybe he just did, maybe this
age comment is his confession. Still,
he doesn’t look a day over thirty.
“You can read my thoughts?” I ask.
“No,” he says. “But your eyes are very
expressive. It makes you easy to read.”
I snort. “Hardly,” I say, as I gather up
the cat toys in my display. It’s after
six o’clock, and the Mayfest Arts and
Crafts Fair is officially closed for the day.
When it’s done, I’m done. “Are you
a Witch, too?” I ask, grabbing the plastic
storage tubs hidden beneath my table.
“No,” he says. He sets the bag of cat
toys he just purchased from me in an
empty chair. “But my brother is married
to one.” I fold the tablecloth and tuck
it into a tub. “Who is your brother?”
I ask. “Drayton Manigault,” he says.
“He married Sara Gadsden last month.”
He turns the display table on its side to
collapse the legs. I smile. I guess he
was serious about helping me pack up
my booth. “Ah,” I say. “I heard about
that. Sara and I have mutual friends.”
(This poem first appeared in the literary journal, “Bactrian Room”)
Laura Stamps is Wiccan, Seelie Fey, and a Fey sorceress twirling joyfully on pink wings. Bestselling author of Pagan novels (positive, empowering, many are romantic: Witches, vampires, faeries). 58 books published in 26 years. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in over 1000 literary journals and anthologies worldwide. She is the recipient of many literary awards, including a “Pulitzer Prize” nomination and 7 “Pushcart Prize” nominations. She’s also a runner, vegan, feral cat rescuer, and an avid gardener. You can find her every day at her Tumblr blog: http://laurastampserotica.tumblr.com/