It's said that on All Hallow's Eve,
when moon is full and wraiths abide,
the Headless Horseman, straight from hell,
begins his ride.

In ebon cloaked, horse black as night.
His severed head, held to the sky,
still laughs and screams his dark intent,
that you will die.

Beware the Sleepy Hollow haunt.
Avoid the road twixt mill and bridge.
His evil's trapped within these bounds.
Death prowls the ridge.

But Ichabod, new to the town,
a teacher come to ply his trade,
dismissed it as, "small-minded myth,"
was not afraid.

"All Hallows Eve, it's just a night.
And those with intellect, like me,
know ghosts and goblins are not real.
Absurdity!"

Besides, he had no time for tales
for Mr. Crane had set his cap
on Miss Van Tassel. Here is where
tales overlap.

The one she loved, the Van Brunt boy,
had offered her no wedding band.
She toyed with gawky Mr. Crane
to force his hand.

Her lover stewed in jealous ire.
But how to hurt the man, unseen?
With wicked smile, he turned his thoughts
to Halloween.

As Ichabod rode from the dance,
passed by the mill and neared the trees,
the Horseman's tale he did recall
with deep unease,

And then his heart began to pound,
Some presence felt he could not see.
His racing mind denied his dread.
Absurdity!

His terror grew, All Hallows Eve!
Though naught but silence touched his ear,
the darkness seemed to thicken, and
his heart knew fear

The rising moon shone through the mist
as Ichabod, all courage gone,
heard evil laughter, close behind.
The chase was on.

His head held high in outstretched arm,
on Satan's steed the Horseman came.
When Ichabod looked back he saw
its eyes aflame.

The wooden bridge lay just ahead
Towards it Ichabod's horse ran
with pounding hooves who's cadence thrummed,
"A headless man."

And as an ice cold hand reached out
to touch the fleeing teacher's back
his screams were heard as far as town
then echoed back.

What happened there was never known.
Of Ichabod, tales still abound.
The horse returned, but Mr. Crane
was never found.