Legend of the Albino Farm by Erin Belieu
Omaha, Nebraska They do not sleep nights but stand between
rows of glowing corn and cabbages grown on acres past
the edge of the city. Surrendered flags,
their nightgowns furl and unfurl around their legs.
Only women could be this white. Like mules,
they are sterile and it appears that
their mouths are always open. Because they are thin
as weeds, the albinos look hungry. If you drive out
to the farm, tree branches will point the way. No map will show
where, no phone is listed. It will seem that the moon, plump
above their shoulders, is constant, orange as harvest all year
long. We say, when a mother gives birth to an albino girl,
she feigns sleep after labor while an Asian
man steals in, spirits the pale baby away.
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