The Devil's Footprints

The  Devil’s Footprints
9 February, 1855

The last snowfall was at midnight
and we found the hoof marks at six o’clock 
the following morning.
They stretched on for over a hundred miles,
mostly in straight lines,
over houses, hayricks and rivers,
on snow-covered walls and rooftops,
leading up to and exiting drainpipes.

We set forth with pitchforks,
and my dogs cowered in the woods.
Surely they were the cloven hooves of the Devil!

Some neighbours had other theories:
shackles from the mooring ropes of a balloon,
badgers, rats, otters, cats, swans and mice,
kangaroos, escaped from a private zoo,
mass hysteria on various different animals’ prints,
hoaxers having a joke…
But no one ever found out for sure.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Haick Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Congratulations on your Honorable Mention in Carolyn's "Legends" Contest, Jack! Well done. Always, Annalise
Mehta Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 6:40 AM
Congratulations on the HM win in the contest, jack
Brown Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 5:24 AM
Congratulations for your win Jack in the contest "Legends" sponsored by Carolyn Devonshire. Love, Carol
K. Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 11:15 PM
ooh very haunting and curious indeed Jack-- enjoyed reading this mesmerizing piece! Congrats for being in the winners circle--- heehee hmm as for that corncrush jam I think that stuff could be legendary in its own right :D
Roberts Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 9:41 PM
wonderful spooky tale, congrats on your HM in the contest Jack
Sweetheart Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 9:13 PM
Congrats jack on your HM in another contest luv.. another great write ..enjoy with luv..
Johnson Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 7:06 PM
It makes an exciting story all the more for its mystery. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Freeman Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Congratulations Jack on you worthy poem's success with the HM. Great job. Agape, Moses
George   Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 5:26 PM
I knew this would be in the winners circle, Jack. Many congrats on your win. lainie
Taylor Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Congrats, Jack. Excellent piece. Enjoyed. Nice going. Ralph
Devonshire Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I thought you did a great job conveying this story of the monk, Jack. In some cases John and I were far apart in our rankings. Congratulations on your success in the contest. The competition was strong so you can be proud of your placement! Love, Carolyn
Locksley Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 12:25 PM
This sounds a lot like the New Jersey Devil stories I have heard over the years. You built the suspense very well! Thanks for your kind comment Jack. Best to you, Diane
George   Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 12:15 PM
A journey of goosebumps.....thank you for sharing, Jack The hairs on my arms are still standing at attention. Lainie
Sweetheart Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Intriguing write Jack..suspenseful and eerie too with curious anticipation of what is it for sure luv.. truly enjoyed and hope u will enter my new contest "BABY BABBLES".. have funa nd enjoy luv.. thankxx for your great comments on my yoga poem...
Knop Avatar
April 10, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Phantasic write Jack! "Tarka the Otter" came to my mind when watching the video with the kids!! Enjoyed the read this early Sunday evening! Love, Gert
Gorelick Avatar
April 9, 2011 at 4:21 PM
Wow, scarey....I got a laugh out of the "theories"..BG
Mehta Avatar
April 9, 2011 at 12:50 PM
A tale of great mystery told in humorous way, jack
Foulk Avatar
April 9, 2011 at 11:40 AM
a very creative and piece of poetry.
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