I held the Harvest Moon in my hand like a leafy
luminescent bowling ball. Unsure of which direction
to throw it, I swallowed it. Now I'm about to burst
terrified of what might happen next. In Delaware
a hunter shot and killed a woman he mistook for a deer.
I imagine she was wearing ritualistic antlers and heading
deep into the woods to perform a spell. One that could
heal the world and save broken people like me.
Justin Karcher (Twitter: @justin_karcher, Bluesky: @justinkarcher.bsky.social, Instagram: justinkarcher) is a Best of the Net- and Pushcart-nominated poet and playwright from Buffalo. He is the author of several books, including Tailgating at the Gates of Hell (Ghost City Press, 2015). Recent playwriting credits include The Birth of Santa (American Repertory Theater of WNY) and “The Buffalo Bills Need Our Help” (Alleyway Theatre). https://www.justinkarcherauthor.com