Beneath the waters dark and still,
A shadow glides where lilies bend,
Its massive form obeys no will,
A secret that the lakes defend.
The fishermen who nightly tend
Their nets have glimpsed a glimmering dome,
A back like stone, no sign to lend,
Yet tales persist from foam to foam,
The Beast of Busco guards its watery home.
It surfaces where the moonlight gleams,
A head like ancient iron worn,
Reflected in the watchers’ dreams,
By trembling hearts both awed and torn.
The lake holds secrets, legends born,
Of teeth, of claws, of ripple’s wake,
Its presence silent as the dawn,
A monstrous form no man can stake,
The Beast of Busco moves, and none may break.
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Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: March 1st, 2026 01:31
- Comment from author about the poem: The Beast of Busco, also known as "Oscar" is a legendary, 500-pound alligator snapping turtle said to inhabit Fulk Lake near Churubusco, Indiana. Following reported sightings in 1949, a national, months-long hunt ensued involving nets, traps, and draining the lake, but the massive creature was never caught.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: Heroes, Gods and Monsters.
Offline)
Comments2
A lovely poem that captures well the beast that no net could catch. Well written in rhyme it is a wonderful poem a fave
Matthew, this is beautifully crafted. The rhythm carries that old ballad feel, and “The Beast of Busco guards its watery home” anchors the myth with quiet authority. The atmosphere is thick, steady, and respectful of the legend. Well done. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
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