Urban Legend

*Murder most foul. Rod Serling, Stephen King or Ellery Queen?


Picturesque place on the edge of nowhere, small town American life.
Suddenly subject to media glare, reports of the mayor's missing wife! 
Search parties, rescuers, all on the scene with rumors of mischief afoot.
People keep asking, "What does it all mean?" Some lock their doors and stay put.

“Over here,” someone yells, as a spotted owl hoots, “There’s something here under the brush." 
The ground shakes and rumbles heavy with boots, the now gathered crowd in a hush. 
As I cower in fear and stare at the scene, the victim's head's there on the ground.
The body is searched for until it is clear, they'd covered the whole flippin' town. 

The mayor of the burg remarries so soon, suspicion’s on everyone's mind. 
But with nary a witness except for the moon, the law stops pursuing in time. Ten years have passed and the story's still told, the horror of what we had seen. I was a kid just eleven years old, yet the images still haunt my dreams. 

To this very day I've never gone back, avoiding those woods at all cost. Something transpired unholy and black, our innocence on that day was lost. 


But what they don't know and perhaps never will, is the way that my stepmother died. With hatchet in hand and a thrill for the kill I swung true, and never once cried. Eleven I was and a daddy's girl too, together we made such a team. And I'm happy to say, no one has a clue- as for me, I'm livin' the dream. And if you should ask where the body's been hid, I'll tell you, but don't tell a soul...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024


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12
Date: 8/8/2025 3:19:00 PM
Dang Tom, I would have bet a month's wage that the butler did it. Daddy's little girl has grown up ways.
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 8/8/2025 5:21:00 PM
Oof! Gotcha
Freie Avatar
Randy Freie
Date: 8/8/2025 4:42:00 PM
I've dated the Lizzy Borden types before. That's why I'm bald today.
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 8/8/2025 4:27:00 PM
I understand she's single if yer lookin'
Date: 7/24/2025 4:54:00 PM
Tom, this is a gripping and chilling tale that really draws you into the eerie small-town mystery. The twist at the end adds a dark, haunting layer that lingers long after reading. Vivid storytelling with a suspenseful edge—great work!
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 7/24/2025 6:46:00 PM
Thx for checking out this deep cut Ro
Date: 10/13/2024 11:29:00 AM
I am scanning your poetry because I recall a few that were on the dark side, either mystery, Psychological thrillers, or scary that would've been great for my contest, "Scary Stories". This is one that would've worked! You have a wonderfully suspenseful way of writing and descriptive imagery that can set anyone's mind on edge. Wish h you would've entered but I'm still glad you share such raw writings and to be able to read your poetry! Perhaps next time!?! Xoxo
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 10/13/2024 5:18:00 PM
Ugh! Contests. I have bloggers headache. I'll keep an eye open for your next one. Thx Crystol
Date: 5/10/2024 10:34:00 PM
I always enjoy reading 'stories that rhyme' which must go back to my own childhood when nursery rhymes were everywhere. Well, from the naivety of nursery rhymes to the full blowm horror of nursery crimes and the blood soaked childhood scars captured in your poem..I wasn't expecting that ending - so perhaps I should have been. :) Kudos, too, to the structuring and particularly the atmospheric line "..nary a witness except for the moon.." Cheers - Gary
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Tom Woody
Date: 5/11/2024 5:53:00 AM
Thx Gary good to see you here. If you like rhyme stories you might enjoy Debacle or Poe's Untimely Demise, which I consider a few of my best writes. Heading your way to see what's new...
Date: 5/6/2024 9:31:00 PM
ooh, creepy!
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 5/7/2024 4:54:00 AM
Yeah!
Date: 4/9/2024 1:02:00 PM
Aha, whispers of "That's the Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" except not even the suspected one got executed!!
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/9/2024 1:11:00 PM
Yeah she's sipping tutti frutti's in Oahu last I heard
Date: 4/9/2024 9:59:00 AM
Wow! I read that like I could hear it and it flooowed! The story is so cool and I love the ending. Reminds me of the song Lights went out in Georgia by Reba. Great story!
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/9/2024 12:39:00 PM
Ahh but do you remember the original by Vicki Lawrence? Thx much Crystol
Date: 4/8/2024 3:04:00 PM
chilling tale, well written, thanks poet
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/8/2024 3:16:00 PM
Much thx yann
Date: 4/8/2024 1:39:00 AM
A well-constructed story. People on the soup rarely recognise when it is fiction. You did very well.
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/8/2024 5:08:00 AM
Thx Vic
Date: 4/7/2024 9:24:00 AM
Horrifying ending, Tom... Child murderers leave me feeling chilled to the core. That there are children who murder ",with a thrill for the kill" "and" never once cried" is a fact of life. How many little psychopaths are out there, who have never been caught, because no one would suspect that from a child? This is fiction with a factual twist in the tale. Well written! (Hugs) Aqua M
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/7/2024 2:04:00 PM
Sadly true. Thx AM
Date: 4/7/2024 3:50:00 AM
I sometimes watch murder mysteries and documentaries on YT. This has the makings of a great story. Will it continue?
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Mo Avatar
Marugu Mo
Date: 4/7/2024 6:05:00 AM
Lol. Already am pointing fingers...but anyhow great story
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/7/2024 4:48:00 AM
Unlikely, unless one of them grows a guilty conscience or someone finds the axe buried with the body. Thx Mo
Date: 4/6/2024 4:14:00 AM
ooh i like that twist at the end! stephen king had better watch his back, in more ways than one lol i used to read a lot of his though not keen on his later stuff, but i'm supposed to be commenting on you, not him lol
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/6/2024 5:36:00 AM
I've never read his books. But am aware of some of his stories. Thx for peeping in
Date: 4/5/2024 9:09:00 PM
..written right.....'yer-banned leg-end' says nobody gets a foot too close....... your store-ease packs lots in a few words ....stan
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/6/2024 5:35:00 AM
That's the goal. Thx much
Date: 4/5/2024 3:35:00 PM
Well dear Tommy, I was scared before even reading after taking a look at that sinister picture. I’m going with classic King. This is wonderful storytelling as always from you and very gripping. You set up scenes so well and the reader is transported there. Decapitated head - yuck! I’d say his new wife of ten years ought to be careful - she might fancy some more axe swinging now as a young adult. I love the formatting of the ending which is very effective. I’m also thinking:
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/5/2024 4:14:00 PM
ST TOS. All the original characters. It's a fun, humorous script with exaggerated characterizations. I can send email to anyone interested. Just soupmail me. Thx for asking
Bowring Avatar
Christina Bowring
Date: 4/5/2024 3:37:00 PM
‘ I’ll tell you but I’ll have to kill you!”. Really enjoyed it my friend. Now, one question - mini Star Trek script- what series/ characters? :):)
Date: 4/5/2024 8:03:00 AM
Chilling and thrilling tale well told. I'd say not T.Z. not Steven King, must be the other one although Dean Koontz or James Patterson's not too far off! lol. Enjoyed your discussion on who.
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/5/2024 8:18:00 AM
Thx so much for read and comment
Date: 4/5/2024 7:46:00 AM
I never expected that ending. That's what scares me about thrillers! It's always the least suspected one. You really wrote this well! So talented.
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/5/2024 8:17:00 AM
I'm sure the evil dad had that in mind when he enlisted his eleven year old. Who would ever suspect her? Thx for visit
Date: 4/4/2024 11:43:00 PM
Rod Serling, Stephen King or Ellery Queen? Lol, I would say all 3. I have read this before, i think. Was it on Insta Tom? It was worth the second read, every bit of it pulled me in second time around. Such a great storyteller you are ...Hugs
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/5/2024 5:46:00 AM
Hello Maria. Hoping to see you Dino story soon :)
Date: 4/4/2024 11:35:00 AM
This was so emotional … I like how you have expressed
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/4/2024 1:32:00 PM
A true love story for the ages. Thx Aura
Date: 4/4/2024 7:33:00 AM
This made for a riveting read, Tommy, and you managed to keep your trump card hidden right to the very end! ~ Enjoyed the post below by DHR Regards // paul
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/4/2024 7:42:00 AM
Good to see you're still at it Paul. Thx much
Date: 4/4/2024 4:47:00 AM
A story well told, Tom. You had me glued to your page from start to finish. The turn in the ending was a big surprise, but sadly true to life. This could be the basis for a novel.
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/4/2024 6:02:00 AM
Mr. Mayor is the devil himself, using his daughter that way. Thx Veej
Date: 4/3/2024 7:20:00 PM
Dear Tom, I loved how you captured the essence of classic mystery and suspense, reminiscent of the works of Serling, King, and Queen. The suspenseful narrative kept me engaged until the shocking twist at the end. Your ability to create a tale of intrigue and darkness is truly captivating. It prompts reflection on the complexity of human nature and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. Your poem lingers in my mind, leaving me pondering the blurred lines between innocence and darkness. Brilliantly done. - Blessings, Daniel
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/4/2024 6:02:00 AM
Thx for awesome review Daniel.
Date: 4/3/2024 3:31:00 PM
Wow , Tom, I enjoyed to reas this poem.KIt5 held me to the very end. This is my fav. Enjoy your evening my friend. /Darlene/
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Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 4/5/2024 11:20:00 AM
Hello tom Woody, Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/3/2024 4:58:00 PM
Much thx for generous visit Darlene
Date: 4/3/2024 8:46:00 AM
Innocent until proven guilty, right ? The ending sounds like a confession to me. She's sneaky and dangerous. Not a good combination.
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Nicole Avatar
Brandy Nicole
Date: 4/3/2024 2:41:00 PM
' Rainbows on the Moon. ' I like it already. :)
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/3/2024 1:30:00 PM
PS. I have one I'm working on titled Rainbows on the Moon. Should be right up your alley
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/3/2024 12:30:00 PM
She's a killa! Thx for stopping by
Date: 4/3/2024 7:43:00 AM
Hello, you are an awesome poet. Intriguing till the end. Thanks for stopping by
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Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/3/2024 12:30:00 PM
That's very kind thx
Date: 4/2/2024 4:46:00 PM
How does she know all the details, I'm beginning to think she knows something about the death. Maybe something really personal. I always love your storytelling Tommy and I sometimes wonder how good you would write a script. To think of how the step mother died, arrgh! So sad.
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George Avatar
Tonye George
Date: 4/2/2024 6:21:00 PM
I'd love to read it, Tom.
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/2/2024 4:49:00 PM
PS. I actually wrote a Star Trek mini- script a while back. I have it still, though not on here bc too long. If you ever want to see it I can email
Woody Avatar
Tom Woody
Date: 4/2/2024 4:47:00 PM
The last lines are hers. Oh, she knows about it all right. Thx
12
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