Poem for Qu You

I died in my youth

My spirit did not perish

A huge vengeful ghost

The 10 hells arranged courts—

German tourist wants to know

What it is that you’re reading.

Johnny Cash’s Shoes

Satan has to run away. Annie killed all three of her husbands on this floor.
Johnny Cash. Her word was law. We have traveled over the Caribbean Sea
to investigate a woman. Montego Bay, Jamaica. All who shared her bed would
meet their demise. Special ingredients which I will not share with you. I’m taking
you to her bedroom where she seduced her husbands. She was bad, evil—but
I like her. This is where she spent most of her time. She would lay here, and
have the men come over to give her the attention she wanted. She would trot around
the property in search of sex. There used to be an enormous tree here. It is believed
her husbands are buried under the palm trees of hole five of the golf course. She
cast a deadly spell. They destroyed every portrait of her. I’ve been working
here for the last 15 years. Why do you think her spirit is here? Why are you
perspiring now?  We see shadows moving around the place. What’s the word
for ghost here? Duppy. We’re in preparation for our lockdown. I challenge
the staff to a game of soccer. They’re just too good. Take a break. Unfortunately,
our comeback was short-lived. These Jamaicans know how to play soccer—but we
know how to hunt ghosts. “The Ballad of Annie Palmer” by Johnny Cash.
We’re in Montego Bay, Jamaica, investigating the White Witch of Rose Hall. You sold
Johnny Cash his house. He felt the spirits there. It would be a dream come true
to investigate his house. We get a rare tour. Do you sense Johnny Cash’s spirit here?
Nothing has been changed. These are Johnny Cash’s shoes. Johnny Cash spent
six months of the year in Jamaica. Awe-struck, we continue to walk through his home.
We have some time before our lockdown. We will get struck by lightning. I never flinch
from the lightning. Coconut water. Rain is falling. Thunder. That right there, ladies
and gentlemen, is the tomb of the White Witch. Something is going to happen
here tonight, boys. Is Johnny Cash here? Johnny or June? We are here to gather
evidence of the spirits Johnny witnessed here. But more importantly: Johnny,
are you here? We are indicating that you are through the device. Multiple unexplained
spikes. Cold blasts of air. You lived a great life. You inspired so many people. Please
help me. We’re in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This house is believed to be haunted
by spirits. You inspired so many people through your music. 



Z.H. Gill lives in East Hollywood, CA. He edits Burial Magazine.

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