Kim Rodrigues Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is my inspiration. My hometown was close to the Catskill Mountains. I once took the nearby Spooky Hollow Road when I was in search of the main road and lost in the night. I found the main road, of course, and lived to tell the tale ;) Rip Van Winkle written by the author, as well.

 

Jack O’Lantern Rides

            one hemisphere lit
         of split   
personality;
Jack O’Lantern rides,
spurring the midnight stallion.
Ichabod’s head spins ‘round,
             fear comes forth furiously,
           without time
         to catch his breath.
a clean cut,
detached from reality.
              eyes spinning
            within Crane’s inner space;
          a pumpkin smash.
was this his nemesis
or the devil himself?
               was Katrina worth this,
             his head laid upon
           the woodpile’s lap?
a dream perhaps?
another Van Winkle written off?
                furrows on forehead,
              pulp pulsing, scored;
            twenty years or so forth.
generations hear of the headless wanderer
only the lovelorn venture off
                 (and Brom Bones ascendants)
               descending into dreams, delusions
             or the stampede of midnight hoofs.
Katrina lit a candle in the window
She’ll never be a widow; just blind

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Maria Williams October 27, 2024 at 11:50 PM I can hear the urgent galloping of horses hooves, and the fear - you penned it so well Kim in your mesmeric riveting tale. Hugs Maria Kim Rodrigues October 28, 2024 at 5:30 AM So great to hear from you, Maria! Glad you enjoyed!

Andrea Dietrich October 27, 2024 at 11:33 AM You captured the essence of the tale. I really like both stories: Rip can Winkle as well as Sleepy Hollow. I used to show the Legend of Sleepy Hollow to my students. A great example of a fun scary Halloween story. I really liked the version with that tall actor. Jeff Goldblum.? Something like that. Kim Rodrigues October 27, 2024 at 2:02 PM Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken?

Victor Buhagiar October 27, 2024 at 9:15 AM I read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and was fascinated with it. It was quite scary, but then I love dark tales. Kim Rodrigues October 27, 2024 at 11:16 AM It was such a great write! I grew up in the area.

Jennifer Proxenos October 27, 2024 at 8:41 AM What a spooky terrifying tale. I an not familiar with this story but will definitely look it up. Can't imagine what you went through when you got lost in this area and road, I think only faith got you through, brave girl Kim, Hugs and blessings, Jennifer. Kim Rodrigues October 27, 2024 at 11:16 AM Oh you will love reading!!

Paul Callus October 27, 2024 at 3:10 AM This is so fitting for this time of year, Kim. Your Jack O’Lantern take is excellent! I looked up Spooky Hollow Road and I'd not want to get lost there at night lol! ~ Regards // paul Kim Rodrigues October 27, 2024 at 5:04 AM LOL…you are dedicated to the story. I was aroun 17-18 years old.

Paige Hind October 26, 2024 at 9:41 PM Wow, some really, really dark imagery- but it's perfect! I am glad you found your way off that road, lol. Enjoyed reading you this evening- wonderful writing, as always Kim Rodrigues October 27, 2024 at 5:04 AM Thank you, Paige! LOL

Hilda Greenhough October 26, 2024 at 7:32 PM This is a mind boggling retelling of the old Headless Horseman story. You captured the terror of the original. I enjoy the creativity. Kim Rodrigues October 26, 2024 at 8:10 PM Thank you, Hilda! So glad you like it!!