Sherry Chapmanby Sherry Chapman
First published in February/March, 2004, Volume 1, Issue 1, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies
To Abby
From Emma:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I’m writing this card
Cuz I don’t speak to you.
To Abby
From John V. Morse:
Pansies are purple,
And white and maroon.
Put those pillow shams on
I’m coming there soon.
To Abby
From Andrew:
Coins are gold,
Dollar bills are green,
My love is my wallet
Uh, HERE’S a wallet, I mean.
To Abby
From Bridget:
I won’t leave thee
You gentle, sweet dove
I hope your husband don’t know
That we are in love.
To Mrs. Borden
From Lizzie:
You have cared for and raised me
Like no other
I think you are
The bestest mother.
(I would like this back, please, to show people in August.)
To Lizzie
From Eli Bence:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Next time you want acid
Slip me a buck or two.
To John Morse
From the FR Post Office:
You’re welcome to come in
If you’re doing no crime
Just don’t bring so many
People next time.
To Andrew Borden
From Dr. Bowen:
I am glad you’re all healthy
And no one is ill.
Will you answer this invoice
And pay your damned bill??
To the pastor at 1st Congregational Church
From Lizzie A. Borden:
I may be an angel
I’ve been given some hints.
I can walk in the barn loft
And leave no footprints.
To Father
From Lizzie:
You’ve killed all my pigeons
They’re in the barn on their backs.
So I can, um, clean it
Tell me, where is the axe?
