The Old Cumberland County Prison in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is home to many ghosts. You may have seen the episode of Ghost Hunters where they investigated the castle-like structure and its warren of underground passages. Before the Old Prison was constructed in 1854, there was an even older jail on the site since 1753. Both accused and convicted criminals awaited their fate in their dank cells, many of them going to the gallows. The county "Gallows Ground" was originally an open public space to the east of Carlisle at the junction of East High and York Road. Executions were later moved to the yard of the rebuilt prison, though tickets were often sold for public viewing of the event. The 1901 hanging of Martin L. Fry for the murder of his brother-in-law was a very private affair, but the newspapermen were, of course, invited and chronicled every detail of Fry's last hours. This bit of poetry is inspired by the ghost of Martin Luther Fry, who is said to still make that final walk to the gallows.
10:10
This is wrong, all wrong.
I blink away tears I swore I would not shed.
Metallic ring of handcuffs,
My death knell.
Boots rasping across flagstones,
Creak of wooden stairs,
Droning words of the Rev.
Sounds repeated every time.
Somehow I find my voice,
I forgive all who testified against me,
Take care of my poor children.
Leather straps snap,
Wool hood rustles,
Heavy weight of rope about my neck.
10:10
And again.
I walk.
This is wrong, all wrong.
Commenti