Josie Mae Mitchell

Daily Weather

What’s the weather today, hey?

Blazing sun to burn out

humanity’s collective doubt?

Bit of cloud cover to hide

the fact that empathy’s died?

Balmy air and lightning bolts

to keep the caring from revolt?

Or perhaps a torrent of rain

might water down the living’s pain

until every babbling river floods and

washes away all evidence of blood.

High Society Catering

Cover your phone;

pick up your keys.

I’ll take your plate

though you haven’t said please.

I’ll be sure to smile;

you’ll look ill at ease.

I’ll scurry behind the walls,

so you won’t have to see.

Snap your fingers or snap my neck;

I’ll still cater to your needs.

Just don’t shake my hand

And risk the working-class disease.

Sadness Is An Open Door

Welcome in, welcome in.

Are you all on your lonesome? Oh,

welcome in, let’s begin!

Make yourself at home.

Welcome in, how’ve you been?

Perhaps you’re feeling down.

Welcome in, can I get you anything?

Here, have some wine.

Welcome in, give in to temptation.

Aren’t you craving blood?

Welcome in, drinking’s a sin,

but please empty that cup.

Welcome in, you’re looking too thin.

How about a bit of bread?

Welcome in, don’t mind my praying.

Oh, you look perfectly sad.

Welcome in, what’s your vexation?

Tell me all that’s wrong. Yes,

welcome in, keep on crying.

Let it out; we’ve got you now.

Welcome in, welcome in;

you’ll never leave again.

Josie Mae Mitchell (they/them) is a transfer-student at Hampshire. They will be starting Div III in the fall of 2025. They are studying creative writing and have recently been working on both fiction and poetry.