Poetry Spotlight: “Annie Oakley is Alive and Well” by Eric Lawson

ERIC LAWSON  is the author of the poetry collections Leaving Long Beach (Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House) and Time for Plan B (Infinity Limited Press). He hosts the Make Your Own Fun podcast on YouTube and currently resides in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Annie Oakley is Alive and Well and Living in Tucson, Arizona
For Apryl Skies 

The reports were premature.
Annie Oakley didn’t die in Ohio in 1926.
She made her way to California and somehow
channeled her energy into the vessel of a poet.
Her sharpshooter reputation remains intact.
Although now she shoots stellar verses instead.
Arizona beckoned and she made her way there.
Heatwaves and desert wandering, dying to live.
Dare deviling by day, whiskey chasers at night.
From couch surfing to apartment hopping to
cat-sitting. Phoenix dunes to San Diego waves.
From one narcissistic ass hat partner to the next.
Still, she endures and thrives despite it all.
Auburn hair and mischievous smile for days.
An Irish lass with Golden State sass.
An innovative eye, heart, and mind.
She craves nature’s untamed beauty.
She’s mother hen to all the animals.
A creative arts lover extraordinaire.
Empathetic and magical to her core.
Demure in stature but exuding personality.
Her beckoning laugh cooling steamed egos.
She won’t suffer fools sabotaging her path.
She’s memorized all the red flags for miles.
If you bring your guns to town, she’s prepared.
So check your toxic projections at the door.
She has survived a Prometheus-like daily hell.
She will survive you no problem whatsoever.