She appeared one moonless night,
Stars awry with fading light
Such a deadened, silent sight
Made the rivers still.
As the stars did make their fall
To the night-cats’ caterwaul
All their skin began to crawl
They stood very still.

Dress all torn at every vein,
Tears! A blackened stemming stain,
Would she ever smile again?
And she spoke no words.
“Who is such a maid?” They cried
“Hurry, friends, escape inside!”
I am but a wretched bride,
She softly spoke these words.

I am lost and I am bare
I find dead dreams on my hair.
I am not home anywhere
Said the ragged bride.
When the day was nearly done,
Underneath a bloodied sun
I was left by everyone.
Wept the ragged bride.

Seek I have for newer starts
In some otherworldly parts
Torturing my broken heart
Cried the shameful maid.
Love I always deign to find
Love I always leave behind.
Now I nevermore be blind!
Raged the wrongéd maid.

Run, then, run, for I will see
More than just you mortals be.
You shall never hide from me!
Screamed the distraught bride.
If you find a purer friend
Then you need not try defend!
You will meet a sweeter end.
Swore the thoughtful maid.

So her promise thus declared
Broken teeth a-glow and bared
They more thought and less have dared,
Hence naught was very calm.
In a voice so dry and deep:
Under ringers I shall keep,
In your belfry I shall sleep.
Then naught was very calm!

With her words all in a cry,
She did leap into the sky.
No more seen in folksmen’s eye,
Away the ragged bride!
And their visions all above
With a gentle, anxious shove.
“Where are we to find a love
For such a ragged bride?”

So did the morning come and then
With worried fear and frown,
A search did start upon the men
Within the curséd town.