Skinny Sally

every urban legend needs an origin story

Skinny Sally was a girl,
With eyes of blue and golden curls.

Her smile a precious sight to see.
Filled your heart with joyful glee.

Late one night in autumn’s glow,
Skinny Sally met her beau.

A clearing by the river's head,
there he asked her hand to wed.

Though family born of great renown,
Skinny Sally turned him down.

On the banks of river Osage,
rended heart fueled bitter rage.

Her rebuke gentle, but his anger rolled,
she thrashed in the water, face down in the cold.

He held her under on moonlit shore,
’til Skinny Sally was no more.

Her body cast in watery grave,
victim to her love turned knave.

If you walk the beaches be forewarned,
Her spirit seeks vengeance for lovers scorned.

A hollow-cheeked skull on bony frame
Skinny Sally became her name.

With eyes of black and curls of green,
a haunting sight for those who’ve seen.

Her smile you never hope to see,
fills your heart with misery.

Moonlit nights along Osage shore,
There she walks forevermore.