The Legend of Backwater
Way down south at the edge of the swamp,
Was a little town known as Backwater.
A peaceful town that most folks found,
Was a good place to raise sons and daughters.
A plague hit the town and people fell sick,
And soon they were dropping like flies.
No doc could be had and the fever was bad,
So they called on the preacher and midwives.
They did what they could but it wasn't enough,
And folks were in fear for their lives.
One woman knew of a spinster who,
Had a sister who lived nearby;
Deep in the swamp, she never came out,
Shunned people and kept to herself.
Some thought her a witch, at best an old b-- h,
But right now they needed her help.
They sent her word through her sister and said,
For whatever she'd do she'd be paid.
She decided she'd make for her sister's sake,
The trip into town and give aide.
When she arrived no one could say,
Next meeting she was just there.
'Mid the fightin', and cussin', and much more discussin',
She pushed back screeching her chair.
My name's unimportant as are you all.
I came at my sister's call.
I'll cure your fever and then I will sever,
All ties and binds with you all.
She mixed up a brew amid the town square,
Soon the smell permeated the air.
Not really bad from the whiff that I had,
T'was the medicine we would all share.
Well the people got well and no one else died,
And the two sisters packed up their wares.
We'd best be off one said with a scoff,
Hang around here if you dare.
The town bid them stay, please don't go away,
For sure you will live like a queen;
But they took their pay and left the same day,
Never no more to be seen.
The townsmen searched high and searched for them low,
To bring them both back to the hollow.
They found on a post a note from their host,
We've gone, do not try to follow.
Copyright © Judy Ball | Year Posted 2021
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment