The Ballad of Truman Brown

Near an Arkansas town lives a man, Truman Brown in the steep Ozark hills we call home. Lack of yield from the earth takes its toll on his psyche and he dreams of the freedom to roam. His kids work by his side with their mom, a sweet soul. None suspect devil traits from his bent. Though his anger inside swells each day like the tide, he displays not a clue, seems content. But his heart harbors wrath as he plows rocky land, and parlays to destroy spirit's peace. In the dark of his mind reason leaves, hate evolves for the one he needs most, seeks release. He quick-steps close behind his wife's chair and pretends as he bends for a kiss from her lips. He withdraws wicked blade, slits her throat ear to ear and her blood streams below, scatters drips. In her panic and fear, she jumps up, tries to flee but soon wanes, buckles down on the lawn. Children scream, race about, overwhelmed by the threat and retreat behind doors, deadbolts drawn. But her stout eldest son runs outside to her form, cradles her in his arms as she dies. Siblings hide from the blade daddy holds at his side; he stands mute and stares out through dead eyes. Dalton turns upside down in the blink of an eye with the horror of murder so vile, and the news people race to report sad details as police chase him down by the mile. On his mad day in court, all the stores close their doors o'er the deed of this man, Truman Brown, while the judge has him bound and declares him insane but the tale still goes 'round Dalton town.