Hello there, dVerse Poets! It’s mid-October, and as a variation on autumnal themes, let’s turn to the supernatural and have some fun! 👻

Several years ago, Paul Brookes, hosted a month-long ekphrastic “Folktober” challenge. One day, he featured three images of the headless horseman from various parts of the world. It’s fascinating to me that there are legends of headless ghosts or horsemen in various times all over the globe.

Today, I ask you to write a poem about some version of the headless horseman. It’s your chance to escape reality. Base your poem on one of the folktales or create your own tale or urban legend. Perhaps your creation rides a camel, a donkey, or a motorcycle. Why is your creation without a head? Where might someone see this creature? What does he or she do? Make it scary, make it funny, make it lighthearted, or make it full of deeper meaning.

Here are some images that might help you. You can also check out the images on Paul’s page.

This painting depicting a scene from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving.

This sign from the UK

And this broken marble statue

Need more inspiration? What about the Romantic ballad “The Highwayman?” Although the ghost has a head, he does ride a horse.

Hold on to your heads! I can’t wait to read your poems.

New to dVerse? Here’s how to join in:

• Write a poem in response to the challenge.
• Post your poem on your blog and link back to this post.
• Enter your name and the link to your post by clicking Mr. Linky below (remember to check the little box to accept the use/privacy policy).
• Read, enjoy, and comment on your fellow poets’ work –- there’s so much to derive from reading each other’s writing: new inspiration, new ideas, new friends