NaPoWriMo Day 19: The Zodiac

 
Day 19 of the NaPoWriMo challenge at www.napowrimo.net.
 
Prompt: Write your own poem that tells a story in the style of a blues song or ballad. One way into this prompt may be to use it to retell a family tragedy or story, or to retell a crime or tragic event that occurred in your hometown. (AABC form)

 
The Zodiac
 
In the zodiac twelve signs are seen,
but he is etched number thirteen,
the most deadly, invisible,
hunted but never identified.
 
Probably thinks he’s invincible,
living without moral principle.
Napa County didn’t see him coming,
tried to steal five souls in just one year.
 
He sent threats to the newspapers,
teased them, included complex cyphers
to show how intelligent he is,
how the wise could not outwise him.
 
He claimed 37 victims in 1974,
though the police disputed this number,
as if he wanted it to be more,
wanted to have the highest kill.
 
They tried to catch him on the hop,
but suddenly it all came to a stop.
So, what became of the Zodiac?
Could he still be out there?
 
Who, in the end, was he?
Did he know you? Did he know me?
Maybe you crossed him in the street,
maybe you sat down with him to eat.
 
Copyright Vickie Johnstone, April 23, 2025