Freshwater Mermaids

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The mermaids of Cache creek

Worn out and hungry

From alligator wrestling

Snap up water moccasins in their sharp and  pointed teeth

Stuffing themselves til their bellies grow fat and round 

And they sleepily wipe venom from the corners of their mouths 

Comb each other's hair with rusty wrenches

Weave hackberry crowns

Sunning themselves on floating signs

amid WonderBread bags and empty cans of Coors Light

The raised words leave imprints like tattoos on their backs-

Okie Farmers Love Their Land

Put Your Trash In The Can

Burma Shave