The acceptance letter for this read “This is finally a serial killer poem that I am very happy to accept!”
Let me back up.
I grew up on fairy tales. Not just Little Red and Snow White; I dug deep into Grimm’s. My favorite was The Robber Bridegroom and its variant, Mr. Fox. I was a bloodthirsty kid! The murder and cannibalism fascinated me. I make no excuses or apologies.
It could use an update, I thought.
And I still want to install a series of signs in my house, through the progressive doorways:
Be bold, be bold.
Be bold, be bold, but not too bold.
Be bold, be bold, but not too bold,
Lest that your heart’s blood should run cold.
“Not Too Bold” was published in Niteblade #25 in September 2013. It has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.