Kate

A Southern Gothic Sonnet

Kate

There’s a beast in Robertson County wood

For two-hundred years her legend’s been told

At Red River Cave an entity stood

Curse of revenge on the Bell family fold

Torment hath come to suffer the living

“Now sayeth thy name, thou cold-hearted b***h”

A voice with no form, all it was giving

“Kate is my name. I am known as the witch”

In the sleepy cornfields of Tennessee

There’s spells to be done before it was gone

Brutal attacks the witch put on Betsy

And poison was used to kill father, John

She promised return after seven years

In one-hundred-seven, there’s more to fear

 

November 2014

Author's Note

Growing up in Tennessee, this was the ghost story told around campfires. Only it's not myth, the Bell Witch is history.

Trivia: This true poltergeist story inspired the movie, "The Blair Witch Project."

Reviews

[Kesha]

I loved this piece, seven years from when you wrote it (2014 according to here) you should write a follow up piece, haha!

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thanks Kesha

[Ana B.]

I love these kinds of spooky stories. Beautifully written with just the right amount of horror spice and lively scenes. :-)

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thanks, Ana. It was difficult to get this story into a restricted sonnet format. I was worried it wouldn't make sense to anyone unfamiliar with the history. Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words.

[Ana B.]

anytime. The only thing to suggest would be - more please :)

[Damien Thibodeaux]

;-) Thanks.

[Bare trees]

I believe I may have read about the bell witch on the website... 'The moonlit road.'

This is exquisitely written.

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad you liked it.

I'm going to check out the website you mentioned.
Thanks again.

[Philip Muls]

Exactly the right tone in your dark poem. Nicely done.

[Angelique]

Love the dark tones in this piece and I agree with Rita while reading this you do read it in kind of a eerie echoing voice.

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you so much Angelique. I try hard to infuse a little darkness into everything. I appreciate your kind review.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ghostly history and excellent poetry combine in this piece, Damien. I can hear it being recited in an eerie, echoing voice...

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you very much. It would be cool to hear it recited!

[Relic]

I've heard of the bell witch before but never read about it. You did am awesome job of writing this. I'm giving you applause. :)

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you so much for the kind review, Relic! I tried to be as historically accurate as possible in the few lines I had to work with in this format. Thank you, thank you.

[Relic]

You're welcome.

[AaronFreitas]

This is an awesome piece buddy! Love the style you write with... love the dark tones throughout the poem. Awesome!

[Damien Thibodeaux]

thanks, Aaron. I appreciate your kind words.

[613]

Wow. This was amazing! It reminds me of tales I've heard as a child; although this one is much darker.

Well done.

- Brittney

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you, Brittney! I'm glad you liked it. Ghoststories told in childhood are always more scary when based on actual events, so this one always stuck with me.

[613]

You're welcome. & so very true! I look forward to reading more from you.

[Fran Marie]

Enjoyed this Bell Witch tale told in sonnet form...intense..dark and eerie piece..

[Damien Thibodeaux]

Thank you, Fran. I am always honored when you stop by to read me. I'm glad you liked it.