Which one is the absolute worst?

“The Five of Pentacles!” I say,

but only because I overlook

the church—a shelter warm and willing—behind that ragged duo.

Wait a minute…. That’s me and my entitlement complex!

We bypass the church, of course,

and hobble into desolation.

“The Devil!” I bellow,

but only because I don’t notice

how loosely the chains are flung over the necks of that stalwart couple:

necklaces they need only lift.

I chose a similar necklace myself years back. Yes, I remember now.

It had gone perfectly with my shitty karma and victim mentality.

“DEATH!” I shout,

but only because I avert my gaze

from the sun—that sun!—that blazes with benevolence as soon as I

shake off the toxic parts of me,

like a dog does fleas.

Shake, Sophie, shake! I said SHAKE IT, girl!

“The Tower!” I drawl,

staring at that jagged lightning, the displaced crown…

the fiery destruction and billowing grey against blackest black…

the plummeting of terrified people to uncertain depths….

And there is no silver lining. No, none at all.

Because if you pull The Tower card, you are fucking fucked.

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Sophie Kearing is a writer of dark fiction and shitty poetry. Her work has been featured by Pigeon Review, Isele Magazine, Discretionary Love, Lumiere Review, Ellipsis Zine, Roi Fainéant Press, Litro UK, and other publications. Sophie’s favorite tarot cards are the Ace of Cups, Two of Cups, Queen of Pentacles, and Nine of Pentacles.

Connect:https://twitter.com/SophieKearing.