The Green River

The river lazily ran through the lovely pasture scene.
Poets wrote their pretty poems about the river’s charms,
Carrying its living water, reflecting purest green
As lovers sat upon its banks, locked in each other's arms.

Way back in nineteen Eighty Two, idly pleasure boating,
He chanced on unexpected sight of homicidal death.
This man discovered horror beneath the surface floating,
So shocking to his senses that he almost lost his breath. 

He’d discovered the first body of victims known to date
Of dread Green River killer, Gary Ridgeway is his name.
Sixteen years to catch him, the murders stand at forty-eight.
With waters tinged with  red, the pretty river’s not the same.

Won no. 4 in contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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A   Avatar
March 21, 2013 at 9:32 PM
Joyce, Congratulations, with your winning poem. Thank you for supporting my "Green" contest. Always :-) Linda
George   Avatar
July 7, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Wow! What a story, Joyce. Many cograts on your SUPER WIN, Lainie
Mehta Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 2:54 PM
My congratulations on this win in the contest, Joyce
Kendrick Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 5:33 AM
Joyce, a different way to go with this contest..Sad that this happened but you have exposed the other side of the human that can possess a person and run uncontrolled when humans are not controlled by the love of God..Congrats..Sara
Brown Avatar
July 5, 2011 at 4:15 AM
Congratulations on your win Joyce in Barbara's "A River Runs Through It contest. Love, Carol
Guzzi Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 3:06 PM
beauty can be just on the surface..and can also lull one into a false sense of safety, this verse is a very clear reminder of that! Congrad's on your big win. Light & Love
Horne Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Many congratulations, Joyce : ) Wow, chilling piece - is it a true story?
Beck Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 1:49 AM
OMG an unusual take on the theme ....well done Joyce.....congratulations on your win
Dietrich Avatar
July 4, 2011 at 12:40 AM
wow, Joyce, I thought this was gonna be an idyllic little poem on the Green River and you turned it into a blood bath. ME LIKES. It's good to get gruesome from time to time! Congratulations, lady.
Roberts Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 10:15 PM
what a wonderful entry Joyce, congrats on your 4th place win
Sweetheart Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 9:27 PM
Congrats Joyce on a wonderful win in the river contest with this expressive entry my friend.. enjoy a grand celebration and win luv..
Gorelick Avatar
July 3, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Scarey..but oh so well written..congrats on your placement in my contest. BG
Sweetheart Avatar
June 29, 2011 at 4:35 AM
oh so sad the tale of that murderous chap ..the Lifetime movie airs frequently.. ..a stirring write incorporates the beauty of the Green River Joyce.. lovely entry with many facets ..good luck my friend...luv..
Long Avatar
June 28, 2011 at 6:18 PM
nicely done!!! good luck in the contest. cory
Mehta Avatar
June 27, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Wonderful rhyming and a stunning entry, Joyce
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