Slaughter

A retelling of Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the Slaughter"

Mary Maloney, she loved Patrick so

She lived and she breathed just for him

Then one day he gave her some terrible news,

The result; her reaction was grim

 

He came home one night, not speaking a word,

Mary thought the policeman was tired

Then he said he was leaving, she’d be all alone,

Except for the baby he’d sired

 

Well, Mary was shocked and in disbelief

She went into the kitchen to cook

But Patrick said, “Don’t, I’m going out.”

She gave him a murderous look.

 

Mary then picked up a large leg of lamb

That was solidly frozen right through

She landed a blow on the back of Pat’s head,

And now she knew just what to do

 

She went to the store for a witness’ sake,

An unwitting grocer named Sam

He sold her potatoes and slices of cake,

She told him the main course was lamb

 

Mary went home and called the police ~

“Come quickly, my Patrick is dead!”

Detectives showed up and could tell right away,

Their friend had been struck in the head

 

Hours went by, they had been there all night

And Mary said they should all eat

“I’d put supper on before heading to Sam’s,

And it’s such a large portion of meat.”

 

The detectives accepted her offer

They ate while discussing the case

They said that they’d find the blunt weapon

And then, to the killer give chase

 

“That weapon is under our noses…”

The chief officer said to his staff,

And as they chewed up the hot evidence

Mary Maloney let out a sly laugh.

 

Author's Note

This is a sample piece for my class. They will be summarizing a story that we will have read, in poem form. The goal is to retell the story so that it will be recognized by those who have read it, and tell the complete tale to those who have not. I wrote this based on "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl.

Reviews

[Epipsychologist]

I remember this one and recognized it instantly. The flow of it reminded me of old Irish folky poems, which makes sense considering the murderesses name is Mary Maloney.

[Rita L. Sev]

Good point. This is a favorite; Dahl was a clever storyteller. Thanks for reading!

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Such an interesting piece, Rita. I haven't read "Lamb to the Slaughter" though.

I'm sure your class will be as impressed as I am. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Blue. They enjoyed this - and I will read their poetic summaries of a Poe story this week. Read "Lamb..." if you get a chance - http://karennance.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/9/5/15952492/lamb_to_the_slaughter_by_roald_dahl.pdf

[Rocans (Asher)]

Yes I knew it was based on the Roald Dahl short story! Always was fascinated by it. You did it justice, putting a comedic spin to it.

[Rita L. Sev]

Well, Dahl does have her laughing at the end! Thanks, Rocans! :)

[Angi]

I find it hilarious that the cops are gobbling the evidence right up! By your authors note, you have done a great job of telling and selling the tale to someone who has not read the story. I bet you are looking forward to the class renditions! Fun project, Rita. Angi~

[Rita L. Sev]

We started writing the poems today - some chose The Black Cat and others The Telltale Heart - I am already amazed at how the kids are approaching this assignment! Thanks, Angi!
If you get a chance, I recommend that you read Lamb to the Slaughter - it's one of my favorites:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SyqQFALMJxzIar1-mPevD1aNmt_L_KtfmFYP473gCSw/edit

You can also find it in an old episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents :)

[Einstein Noodle]

ahaha! nice job... sounds like a good challenge ... hope the class has a great time with it!
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, E. Looking forward to doing these this week. :)

[Arrinae]

Nice! I hope your class enjoyed this

[Rita L. Sev]

I'll find out this week... Thank you, Arrinae.

[Sami Khalil]

A splendid story with a great rhythm and rhyme...Bravo as always...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)

[richom]

Expertly written with a wonderful cadence that reads as smoothly as prose. I am one who did know
what the ending would be as soon as you mentioned the frozen meat. A long time ago I saw the story on television, but I didn't recall that it was by Dahl. I remember there was some controversy because the killer got away with it, which was a no-no for movies and television then. Now you have me wondering what story I would select if I were in your class. Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Rich! The show was Alfred Hitchcock Presents...They did this story, starring Barbara bel Geddes. A good rendition of the story, but enough differences to be good for comparing with the kids... A gruesome tale with no blood... Perfect to read and show to junior high kids!

[Michael G. Smith]

Good tight rhyming story. You had me wanting to know where this was going, but I guessed befor ethe end, lol. Throw the word little in the last line; sly little laugh.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ooh! I like that... "Mary let out a sly little laugh." I will change that, thanks, Mike! If you get a chance, you should read Roald Dahl's short story. You can find it online... One of my favorites! :)

[Gleb Zavlanov]

A gruesome, dark tale. What Maloney did though, was exceptionally clever an found this entire tale to be very well crafted. Great write!

[Rita L. Sev]

Dahl's short story has always been a favorite of mine; so glad you enjoyed this, Gleb! Thank you!