The Ghost Of Halifax Shore (poem) by Felix LeRoy Perry on AuthorsDen

The Ghost Of Halifax Shore
by Felix LeRoy Perry → (All Poetry by Felix LeRoy Perry)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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This poem is based on Halifax folklore. The British, besides hanging men in suspended iron cages after severe floggings, also hung men tarred and feathered on the beach that became known as Hangmans Beach on an Island at the mouth of the harbour. These were meant as warnings to sailors "pressed into sea duty" of what punishment they could expect for mutiny, desertion and other crimes against the Monarchy. This story is supposedly a true one. A visit to the beach where this particular prisoner was hung to die is still part of the sight seeing tours of Halifax. Another punishment was to be sentenced to the flogging of the fleet which meant the prisoner was rowed from vessel to vessel in the harbour of evey ship and whipped basically to death.

*The Ghost of Halifax Shore* *By: Felix Perry* *What�s left of him was withered* *wracked useless skin and bones* *bird pecked in iron basket swings* *so alone above beach stones* *He moaned they say for four whole days* *till the devil took his own* *now they say his ghosts wanders about* *that tree that hung his final home* *The British ruled Halifax with iron fist* *likewise the hangin iron cage* *no-one shall desert the Royal Fleet* *was marked in history�s page* *At harbours� mouth he�d swing about* *dead eyes staring out to sea* *the first sight entering or departing* *a warning message, yes, was he* *In daylight hours the kids poked sticks* *at night they�d scream in fright* *priests and witches would make a sign* *to ward off his evil sight* *Now one last journey he did take* *his remains to Devil�s Island shore* *his bones to scatter to the winds* *on Hangman�s Beach forever more* *They say though some bones were lost* *when rotted flesh wouldn�t hold* *and now he wanders to eternity* *the place that treated him so cold.*

Reviewed by Myrna Badgerow

Reviewed on February 6, 2007

An interesting bit of folklore.. I love stuff like this.

Myrna

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on January 30, 2007

Very well written Felix....thanks for sharing!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Rosemarie Skaine

Grim, but interesting and very well done. R

Reviewed by Rose Rideout

A true tale written in cold stone shivers. Thank you Felix
Love your Cuz, Rose XOXO

Reviewed by Karen Cino

Excellent write Fee. I can feel a historical short story/novel coming from this one.

~hugs~
Karen

Reviewed by A PAX

Reviewed on January 29, 2007

A keeper
i love this Felix
its fantastic
i love poetic stories
bravo
applause
:)
pax Anita

Reviewed by Jane Rodway (Reader)

You tell a dark tale here and you tell it well!

Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)

I can well believe what the British did, but then cruelty is universal, irrespective of color and creed. Great poem though. Victor

Reviewed by Debby Rosenberg

my goodness, such a tale....its truth helps to remind us of the savagery we've evolved from...can you imagine this soul reincarnated in our world...now that would be some deep subconscious pain

Reviewed by Rafiriio Daniels

I have appreciated everything you have displayed, excellent work and look forward to reading more....

Reviewed by Kathryn Collins (Reader)

Fee --

Brrrrr - eeeeek. I'm shivered to the bone. Now the British seem so civilized. Chilling to read and wow you told it well.

Kathy

Reviewed by J M (Reader)

I have read of such Islands and shores you capture well this folklore.FEE!

Reviewed by Joyce Bowling

Great write my friend...a bit creepy and bizarre but also a hauntingly suspenceful write...enjoyed it!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Great Scott, Fee, this is terrific writing! One of your best! BRAVO!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D

Am saving this one!

Reviewed by Linda Hill

Fee,
Chilling and full of suspense. I enjoyed this very much. My mama used to tell me stories of ghost, and such and I was always spellbound with every word. It has always interested me and even to this day I love hearing true ghost stories.

Excellent, my friend!!!

~Linda~

Reviewed by Michael Mathieu (Reader)

I really enjoyed this Fee.Held me in suspense while reading,thanks for sharing,
God Bless,

Michael

Reviewed by SHERRY HEIM

This is kind of creepy, Felix as are all of our folklore ghost stories, I think every commuinty has them. I grew up with the "lady of the park". The park was plagued with toolie (sp?) fog that would hover just above the ground. We used to go and sit in cars and wait to see the lady...many swore they saw her, personally I never did, nor did I see the bush that burned all by itself every night. Excellent bit of history you share with us, Felix.
Take care,
Sherry

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

great hitorical write-i very much enjoyed reading

Reviewed by Susan de Vegter

The best is here Fee. I've always maintained that your sea tales are your best and this one, by far, proves it. You tap into the lore as though it waits for you to give it a voice. This should be a part of all visitor packages there. The best my friend Fee...the best!
Love,
Susan

Reviewed by CJ Heck

This is a vivid and captivating write, Fee. You hold your readers tight to the edge of their seats through your story. Outstanding poem and so well done!
Love,
CJ

Reviewed by Lisa Hilbers

Felix,
You're a great story teller! Makes one feel sorry for those that actually had to suffer this plight.
Another enjoyable and telling write.

Lisa