Today at RDP, Punam asks us to get
creative with the word ‘terror’. Thanks, Punam!
Here’s where the prompt word took me.
Summer of Fear, 1977
The city held its breath at dusk,
when streetlights flickered on
young lovers feared the night itself,
their carefree evenings gone.
A terror stalked where lovers park,
leaving neighborhoods in dread,
no one felt safe after dark,
Son of Sam heard voices in his head
NAR©2025
This is “Son of Sam” by Dead Boys
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Terrifying time and your poem captures it perfectly ✨❤️✨
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It truly was awful, Lisa. Thanks for your very kind comments.
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An odd stranger in the night, they must’ve frightening times, Nancy …
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Thank you, dear Ivor. The Son of Sam (David Berkowitz) is a true monster. He terrified our town for more than a year during his killing spree. I don’t remember a time when I was so frightened for so long.
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Truly a horrible situation, Nancy
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🖤
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Your emoji says it all, M. Thanks!
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Ooh, very chilling
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It was a terrifying time, Sadje.
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It was a real incident?
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Yes, the killings took place in 1977, very near to where I lived at the time. The killer’s name is David Berkowitz; he was sentenced to 6 consecutive life sentences and has been denied parole 12 times.
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Oh wow! What a horrible person
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For real, cara!
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🥺😱
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Fabulous Nancy!!
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Thanks very much, Ange. This was a very scary time for us.
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I didn’t realise it was a true story sounds very frightening ❤️
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It truly was a reign of terror, Ange. It was bad enough this was happening where we lived but to find out the killer himself lived in the next town somehow made it that much worse.
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I can imagine x
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Ever so frightening and a reminder that evil does exist. Your prolific writing range is impressive, dear Nancy. 👏🏻
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Sad but true, Michele. Such a nightmare time that was. Thank you for your most gracious comments.
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You’re very welcome. 💛
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Terror stalking the streets, Nancy …the very words ‘series killer’ gives you the shivers, …💙
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That’s exactly what it was! Terror stalking the streets of New York. Thank you, Penn.
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The “Son of Sam” serial killer, David Berkowitz, initially claimed he was taking orders from a demon named “Sam” that was manifesting in his neighbor’s dog. However, he later admitted this was a hoax.
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Yes, that’s right. His killings were very real, however. Scary times, Jim.
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Yikes!
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That’s one word for it, Liz. I don’t ever remember being so scared for an extended period of time.
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Good one, I really do like me some serial murder….
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It’s intriguing, isn’t it? Not so much when it’s happening in your own back yard.
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I remember the quest to figure out who he was. Terrifying.
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It was the most scared I think I’ve ever been for an extended period.
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Got the chills!
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It twas such a terrifying time for us, D. Thanks!
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