Woman in White by E.J. Stevens

Woman in White

Traveling along the roadside
On this wet fog laden night
I catch a brief glimpse up ahead
Of a lone woman in white

Wondering if I can offer
Assistance to this lady fair
I dismount and call out to her
But she only turns to stare

What foul thing could have befallen
This damsel to strike her mute?
Perhaps then she is no fair lady
But a dame of ill repute

I shall take her with me
I’ll keep her warm in my bed
A reward for taking her in
From this road few others tread

Her presence could complicate things
As my wedding night draws near
So long as my wife’s family
Remain blind there’s naught to fear

A plan already taking form
I reach out to take her arm
But as the clouds move past the moon
Light shines on a wedding charm

Not a harlot then just a bride
Now obvious by her dress
Glowing white beneath the full moon
So lovely but in distress

Trying again to be helpful
I reach out to take her hand
Only then do I see the blood
Dripping onto rock and sand

In her right hand she held a knife
Her left clutched her husband’s heart
Her husband had been unfaithful
Tearing her world and mind apart

She looked with frenzied hatred on
A lecherous wretch like me
Quickly slashed head from body
Tossing the head into the sea

So hear me all unfaithful men
Attend these words of the dead
Beware of the Woman in White
Or you too may lose your head.

by E.J. Stevens
'Shadows of Myth and Legend'
Copyright 2010