by Mary Elizabeth Naugle

First published in April/May, 2004, Volume 1, Issue 2, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

While William dealt Pa forty whacks,
Out in the barn Miss Liz played jacks:
“These jacks,” she thought, “will make good sinkers,
Then I won’t have to filch the tinker’s.

“My goodness, did I hear a noise?
It must have been those tiresome boys,
Me and Brownie, stealing pears—
Ours are superior to theirs.

“Lo, could that be a wild-eyed wight?
No, no ‘tis but a trick of light.
The bell tolls, pshaw; ‘twill be a bother,
But I’d best go awaken Father.

“Stepma was due an hour ago,
Although her girth makes progress slow,
So I leave off my lofty fun,
Papa to shake, Stepma to shun.

“Pa’s corse drips blood from chaise to floor;
What are antimacassars for?
Let Mag get help; the flats can scorch
While I play jacks on the back porch.