The Mary Bell story/Cerulean eyes
Suffer little children-Mary the 10 year old Strangler55 total reviews
Comment from Pantygynt
A ghastly, true tale, powerfully told in free verse with occasional well placed rhyme. The first stanza acts as a prologue or introduction and refers to Mary Bell in the third person as if the poet is telling you, the reader the tale. Thereafter the focus shifts and the tenor of the poem addresses Mary directly, pointing to the horror or of her acts and trying to persuade her to show some remorse, to take some responsibility for her acts.
This she has never done, at least not publicly and there is a hint of criticism of the authorities that have released her under a new identity here in the final stanza ("hidden by a name"). We may consider it amazing that she has not only married and indeed is now a grandmother without ever accepting any responsibility for her actions. This is a chilling tale exceptionally well told. I actually reviewed this on Saturday night but decided to leave posting the rview until Sunday when the six ration is doled out.
This is a major work and cleverly carried out. I shall kick off my new week's supply of sixes with one for this most deserving case.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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A ghastly, true tale, powerfully told in free verse with occasional well placed rhyme. The first stanza acts as a prologue or introduction and refers to Mary Bell in the third person as if the poet is telling you, the reader the tale. Thereafter the focus shifts and the tenor of the poem addresses Mary directly, pointing to the horror or of her acts and trying to persuade her to show some remorse, to take some responsibility for her acts.
This she has never done, at least not publicly and there is a hint of criticism of the authorities that have released her under a new identity here in the final stanza ("hidden by a name"). We may consider it amazing that she has not only married and indeed is now a grandmother without ever accepting any responsibility for her actions. This is a chilling tale exceptionally well told. I actually reviewed this on Saturday night but decided to leave posting the rview until Sunday when the six ration is doled out.
This is a major work and cleverly carried out. I shall kick off my new week's supply of sixes with one for this most deserving case.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your very kind review James. I am delighted you 'enjoyed' it, (and thankyou so much for helping me out with it and it's inconsistencies) it is a poem for me that creates a mixture of emotions. Most negative and confused. But I also hope to put out a message with poems like this. Children are never born evil, however it is so sad for the families of the murdered children. Again, many thanks, kindest regards, Meia x
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you're welcome. It was a pleasure.
Comment from mbroyles2
It seems the most chilling and disturbing stories are the ones from real life.
Such a tragic story for Mary Beth and her young victims.
I like the way you presented this and for the great story at the end.
Wonderful job!
Michael
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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It seems the most chilling and disturbing stories are the ones from real life.
Such a tragic story for Mary Beth and her young victims.
I like the way you presented this and for the great story at the end.
Wonderful job!
Michael
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your very kind review Michael, I am delighted you 'enjoyed' it, it is a poem for me that creates a mixture of emotions. Most negative and confused. But I also hope to put out a message with poems like this. Children are never born evil, however it is so sad for the families of the murdered children. Again, many thanks, kindest regards, Meia x
Comment from Dorothy Farrell
Hi Meia - I know this case really well and have seen where the murders took place. I come from Newcastle and lived in West Benwell, not too far away from Scotswood where the murders took place. I remember, all the papers were full of it at the time. We'll never know what was in this child's mind to commit such awful crimes. Plenty of children have awful childhoods but they do not kill. Her childhood was extremely bad - her mother a prostitute, and Mary suffered terribly. 'Mary displayed classic symptoms of psychopathy' The letter you relate in your author notes is interesting. She was very young - I find it a very mature letter for one so young and so disturbed. You have written an excellent poem that many will find very interesting as I did. Well she's a mother and grandmother now and her identity a secret forever. Thank you for htis interesting post. Warm regards Dorothy x
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Hi Meia - I know this case really well and have seen where the murders took place. I come from Newcastle and lived in West Benwell, not too far away from Scotswood where the murders took place. I remember, all the papers were full of it at the time. We'll never know what was in this child's mind to commit such awful crimes. Plenty of children have awful childhoods but they do not kill. Her childhood was extremely bad - her mother a prostitute, and Mary suffered terribly. 'Mary displayed classic symptoms of psychopathy' The letter you relate in your author notes is interesting. She was very young - I find it a very mature letter for one so young and so disturbed. You have written an excellent poem that many will find very interesting as I did. Well she's a mother and grandmother now and her identity a secret forever. Thank you for htis interesting post. Warm regards Dorothy x
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your very kind review Dorothy. I am delighted you 'enjoyed' it, it is a poem for me that creates a mixture of emotions. Most negative and confused. But I also hope to put out a message with poems like this. Children are never born evil, however it is so sad for the families of the murdered children. Again, many thanks, kindest regards, Meia x
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Welcome Meia - you write so well. I remember the case clearly. Quite atrocious but as you say children are not born bad. The thing I remember reading is when one of the little boy's coffin was being brought out of the house, she smiled and rubbed her hands together. The police noticed and that's when they became suspicious. Awful for the parents of the two boys. Doesn't bear thinking about. Regards Dorothy
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Thank you so much for your kind and measured response I agree with you it such an intense and complex case. kind regards Meia
Comment from William Ross
A very well written story poem of a child who murders other children,sad that it happens, but here in the states seems almost a daily affair now for some reason. thanks for sharing the story and have a great day
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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A very well written story poem of a child who murders other children,sad that it happens, but here in the states seems almost a daily affair now for some reason. thanks for sharing the story and have a great day
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Thankyou so much for your very kind reviewRoss. I am delighted you 'enjoyed' it, it is a poem for me that creates a mixture of emotions. Most negative and confused. But I also hope to put out a message with poems like this. Children are never born evil, however it is so sad for the families of the murdered children. Again, many thanks, kindest regards, Meia x
Comment from tfawcus
Once again you have dredged up an intriguing but horrifying case and brought it graphically to life in your poem. The author background notes also made interesting reading, though the poem stands very well without them. The random use of rhyme is most effective in adding particular stress and impetus to parts of the account.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Once again you have dredged up an intriguing but horrifying case and brought it graphically to life in your poem. The author background notes also made interesting reading, though the poem stands very well without them. The random use of rhyme is most effective in adding particular stress and impetus to parts of the account.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x
Comment from bookishfabler
The poem read like a story, which is good. It was a bit hard to read at times, both with the rhythm and the content. I do read and watch a lot of crime shows and books. This sounds familiar. I think I may have seen this story on the ID channel. It is such a shame. So sad also how children are abused every day.
hugs Heidi
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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The poem read like a story, which is good. It was a bit hard to read at times, both with the rhythm and the content. I do read and watch a lot of crime shows and books. This sounds familiar. I think I may have seen this story on the ID channel. It is such a shame. So sad also how children are abused every day.
hugs Heidi
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x
Comment from giraffmang
Hi there,
This is a fascinating case and of course, no one really knows what possesses someone, let alone a child to commit these acts.
you did a great job with this piece.
All the best
G
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Hi there,
This is a fascinating case and of course, no one really knows what possesses someone, let alone a child to commit these acts.
you did a great job with this piece.
All the best
G
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x
Comment from valmay
I remember this case as I was in England in my twenties when the murders occurred. I knew she had a daughter but not much more than that. You filled in some gaps.Well written as always.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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I remember this case as I was in England in my twenties when the murders occurred. I knew she had a daughter but not much more than that. You filled in some gaps.Well written as always.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x
Comment from Susan Chetcuti
This is the first time I have heard this story. Through your creativity you have told it well with great imagery. Another brilliant piece you have offered here. It put a chill up my spine. I really enjoy reading all your work. Deserving of a six.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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This is the first time I have heard this story. Through your creativity you have told it well with great imagery. Another brilliant piece you have offered here. It put a chill up my spine. I really enjoy reading all your work. Deserving of a six.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x
Comment from Kassa-Leigh
Wow, what a tragic story. The poem you wrote was chilling enough, but to learn the facts of the case, makes me cry. Thank you for sharing this story.
Cheryl-Lynette
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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Wow, what a tragic story. The poem you wrote was chilling enough, but to learn the facts of the case, makes me cry. Thank you for sharing this story.
Cheryl-Lynette
Comment Written 22-Jan-2017
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2017
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thankyou so much for your very kind remarks kindest regards meia x