SPHINX OF PARRICIDE (A Poem in Haiku Triplets)

by Eugene Hosey

First published in February/March, 2004, Volume 1, Issue 1, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

Fall River of blood.
Second Street fever runs high.
Unspeakably sick.

Borden prison home.
Menacing beast on a leash.
Someone cuts it loose.

Left-over mutton.
Served on autopsy table.
Some ironing too.

Maid goes out as told.
Boss lady makes fateful climb.
Tomb waits in spare room.

Doorway frames killer.
Dresser mirror eyes see you.
Glass lips stay sealed.

Shock blow pulls the plug.

Death bed of bloody roses.
Quiet menace waits.
I call you mother.

I call you Mrs. Borden.
I call you nothing.
Kitchen stove burning.

Pears magazines Journal flats.
What am I thinking?
Lady toothache late.

Pass close enough to touch him.
Old man good as dead.
Window-washing hands.

Unlock door for next victim.
Odd laugh rings upstairs.
Lay me down to sleep.

‘Neath pretty New England scene.
Dream and rise no more.
Maggie disappears.

Prince Albert lifts bloody axe.
Sleeping papa groans.
Papa’s face is gone.

I fear it I do not feel.
Grim makeshift pillow.
Get Maggie downstairs.

Ask nothing do as I say.
My head is dizzy.

Bring yesterday’s ears.
Borden fears and forebodings.
Need witnesses here.

Lizzie guards the dead.
She peeps outside through door screen.
Nosy neighbor sees.

Find Mrs. Borden.
She must be deaf in the house.
She had a sick note.

Stepmother clammy.
Father warm bloody oozing.
Both skulls in pieces.

Ruined couch and bed.
Dripping arm and spotted spread.
Rest sleep sorrow-worn.

Uncle eats a pear.
Bloodshot eyes search Lizzie’s gaze.
What should daughter say?

Dark night of the soul.
Dead flesh on dining table.
Shaky lamp passes.

Late cellar visit.
Bloody clothes on dirty floor.
Her hand in the dark.

Guard outside at night.
A second lamp light sneaks down.
Lizzie kneels at sink.

Bedford cord stove fire.
Ugly weapon under bed.
Alice wringing hands.

Bengaline silk skirt.
Diamond pattern missing.
Don’t look at Lizzie.

How could this happen?
Who was the phantom serpent?
God only knows why.

Sphinx of parricide.
We all know you lied.
Swollen courtroom eyes.