The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE GOLDEN ARM

THERE ONCE WAS A WOMAN TRAVELING IN A STAGE COACH.
THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE STAGECOACH WENT OVER A
CLIFF. THE WOMAN LOST HER ARM, SO SHE HAD A SPECIAL
ARM OF GOLD BUILT FOR HER. THE GOLD GAVE HER BLOOD-
POISONING AND SHE DIED. AFTER SHE HAD BEEN BURIED,
HER SON WENT AND DUG UP THE GRAVE AND STOLE THE GOLDEN
ARM. THAT NIGHT WHEN HE WAS IN BED HE HEARD A VOICE
SAYING, "GIVE ME BACK MY GOLDEN ARM." HE COVERED HIS HEAD
WITH HIS BLANKETS. THE VOICE CAME AGAIN. "I AM AT YOUR
FRONT DOOR. GIVE ME BACK MY GOLDEN ARM. I AM AT THE
FOOT OF YOUR STAIRS. GIVE ME BACK MY GOLDEN ARM. NOW I
AM UP THE STAIRS. NOW I AM AT YOUR DOOR. NOW I AM
AT YOUR BED. GIVE ME BACK MY GOLDEN ARM. I AM TAKING
YOUR FIRST BLANKET OFF. I AM TAKING YOUR SECOND
BLANKET OFF. I AM TAKING YOUR SHEET OFF. GOT YA!

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-26-1968