When I Walk by the Weir

I listen as torrents cascade and crash,

crying out, not in whispers but rage,

my ears deafened to the downstream surge.

Flashbacks to Victorian darkness,

a baby farmer, outwardly respectable,

in receipt of payments to care for newly born

of single working Mothers, of the poor, sick

and disadvantaged souls in society

in exchange for provision of protective love.

Her false promises, eventually laid bare.

A parcel with her address still evident

was fished from the waters by a bargeman.

Grisly contents of a strangled babe surfaced.

She did this to earn a living over decades,

unexposed how many perished this way.

Amelia Dyer took her secrets to her grave,

condemned to hang for her ghastly wickedness,

apparently meeting her end in merciful quickness.

When I walk by the weir, all beauty is lost.

Instead, the icy frost of her presence lingers

while I mourn those murdered mites.

Reviews

[Lorry]

It is so sad to see beauty spoiled by someone else's evil. When we lose out on the beauty once loved because a cloud will forever hang over those places, we really do lose something more, both as an individual and a society.

To be honest Chris, I was expecting a tale of lazy sindays and picnics going by the title, which I do believe may have been intentional to lull us into a false sense of security. If so, it worked. The deeds done are indeed horrifying, but so is the fact that it's news to me and probably more of your readers.
What a tragic tale of innocents lost and families mourning the day evil touched their lives.
Powerful, shocking tale, superbly told.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lorry. I live in the area yet didn't find out about her for years. Sorry if you were expecting a tranquil walk by the river. Have to admit, I wanted a title with a huge contrast, hence the one I chose. If you Google her name you will find out far more. I believe her sister was also convicted of similar crimes years later.

Chris.

[Lorry]

I just did (google & wili)
A book title sprang to mind while I was reading. Beyond evil. It wasnt until later I realised that it was a book on hyndley and brady, the moors murderers. Maybe the author should have made it a series. Some people are simply that, beyond evil...and beyond human.

[Chris Shaw]

I think you are right. Beyond Evil could also include Rose and Fred West. Evil people.

Chris

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

Your poem sends chills through my soul, especially after reading Amelia Dyer killed more than 300 babies in her care. You've detailed the account perfectly. Great poem that fills the reader with a sense of wanting to know more. A great poem from a great writer. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Beyond evil. Pleased you googled to find out the full story Tamara. Such chilling wickedness. Thank you for reading.

Chris

[Tamara Beryl Latham]

You're welcome Chris. I could never understand why there are some who are so evil living among us.
Reminds me of the wickedness associated with Lizzie Borden.

[john l smith]

some of the things humans have done to each other are beyond comprehension
A cheery start to your day?

[Chris Shaw]

Not today it wasn't but when I walked it about a week ago it stuck with me. Hence the poem. Lingering still ... Thank you John.