Witch-Burning

"Witch-Burning" by Mary Elizabeth Counselman is a poem published in the mid-20th century, specifically appearing in the October 1936 issue of "Weird Tales." The poem explores the grim topic of witch trials, vividly depicting the harrowing experience of a witch being burned at the stake. It reflects the societal tensions and emotions surrounding such events, capturing both the fear of the accused and the fervor of the accusers. The piece portrays the tragic fate of a young witch in Bingham Square, detailing her execution in a dramatic style that evokes both horror and pity. As the townsfolk gather to witness the event, their mixed emotions of hatred and scorn surface, particularly through images of a huswife cursing her and a huckster throwing stones. The poem contrasts the raw violence of the act with the witch's defiance, highlighting her terror yet also her composure. In the end, her anguished cries resonate, suggesting that while her body is destroyed, the impact of her execution lingers on in the collective memory of the spectators.