The Headless Horseman of Belhus
I walked across the cold muddy ground of Belhus Park at gloomy midnight. Leaves ripped from the trees by the bitter wind crunched under my feet. I felt isolated and watched, all at the same time. I pulled my trusty hi-viz around me for comfort and looked around. For a moment I thought I glimpsed the outline of a large animal far behind me amongst the trees.
I didn't like to admit it to myself, but as I walked on I heard leaves crunching behind my sweaty back. Much bigger footsteps than my own. I stood still and smelled a dark smell, like rubber being burnt from all the tyres on the M25.
I turned around slowly to see the great beast towering over me. A huge horse, as black and silent as space. And on it a tall man in grey armour, steaming and frosted with ice. He wore no helmet, because he had no head!
His armoured hand rose, pointed at me, and a voice gurgled from his empty neck: "Leave! And never come back!"
I can tell you, I did not argue, and ran as fast as a bullet towards the green gates. As I looked back the headless horseman laughed a gurgling laugh and rode his nightmare horse back to his cold prison, the Ice House, disappearing into the dready darkness.
From memories shared at the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus, fears shared in community workshops, and writing by students of Aveley Primary School
I didn't like to admit it to myself, but as I walked on I heard leaves crunching behind my sweaty back. Much bigger footsteps than my own. I stood still and smelled a dark smell, like rubber being burnt from all the tyres on the M25.
I turned around slowly to see the great beast towering over me. A huge horse, as black and silent as space. And on it a tall man in grey armour, steaming and frosted with ice. He wore no helmet, because he had no head!
His armoured hand rose, pointed at me, and a voice gurgled from his empty neck: "Leave! And never come back!"
I can tell you, I did not argue, and ran as fast as a bullet towards the green gates. As I looked back the headless horseman laughed a gurgling laugh and rode his nightmare horse back to his cold prison, the Ice House, disappearing into the dready darkness.
From memories shared at the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus, fears shared in community workshops, and writing by students of Aveley Primary School
