“Ochre Is the Color of Deserts and Dried Blood” by Erin Stalcup

A story by alum Erin Stalcup appears at Menacing Hedge:

If you want to marry me, the phlebotomist said to the chemist, you must complete these tasks.

Get me limonite, hematite, and goethite, for me to dye my dress to a halcyon gilt.

Gather me ebony, mahogany, and teak, for me to fashion a crown.

Dig me up bronze, alabaster, and onyx, for me to craft ornaments to adorn me.

I’ll need graphite and ash for my lashes, lapis lazuli and cobalt for my lids, the fruit of prickly pears for my lips.

Brew me chartreuse, absinthe, and claret for our feast.

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