"Blood-Burning Moon" unfolds beneath the eerie glow of a full moon, as the townspeople sing to ward off its sinister influence. Louisa, a domestic servant in the employ of the Stone family, is caught in a turbulent emotional tide between two men: Bob Stone, the son of her white employers, and Tom Burwell, a fellow African-American worker. This haunting tale explores themes of racial tension, forbidden love, and the destructive power of jealousy.

The Shadows of the Rising Moon

As the full moon ascends, casting an ominous light over the factory town, the women sing to dispel its evil. Louisa, a young African-American woman, makes her way home from her job at the Stones' residence, her thoughts entangled with the clandestine romance she shares with Bob Stone. She also contemplates Tom Burwell, a man from her own community who harbors feelings for her. This internal conflict stirs something within her, leaving her feeling unsettled. Her unease is palpable to the animals around her, as dogs bark and chickens create a cacophony. Once she reaches her doorstep, she sits down, watching the moon as it drifts toward a concealing cloud. The refrain of a haunting song echoes in her mind, capturing the essence of her turmoil:

Red nigger moon. Sinner! Blood-burning moon. Sinner! Come out that fact’ry door.

Amidst the Boiling Cane

Nearby, on the forest's edge, a group of men, including Tom, gather around a glowing stove, boiling cane and listening to old tales. Tensions rise when Tom becomes incensed at the suggestion that Bob has given Louisa silk stockings. Declaring Louisa as his "gal," he confronts Will Manning, who mocks him. A fight ensues, but Will's friends intervene, scattering when Tom draws a knife. Calming himself, Tom returns to Louisa, where she rests on her front step. He confesses how often she occupies his thoughts and questions the truth of the rumors about her and Bob. In response to her inquiry about his actions if the rumors were true, he answers with a chilling resolve. As they hold hands, they join in a song with an old woman hanging a lantern, a melody that resonates through the streets.

Bob's Descent into Darkness

Bob Stone leaves his house, burdened by thoughts of societal expectations and his family's possible reactions to his involvement with Louisa. In his mind, he wrestles with the idea of control, lamenting that he cannot have Louisa as he might have during the era of slavery. His reflections are tainted by racial tension, and he acknowledges his desire for Louisa because of her race. News of Tom's interest in Louisa fuels his anger, stoking his possessiveness and sense of superiority.

Conflict Under the Canefield Sky

Bob's path leads him to the remnants of the group Tom left behind, overhearing conversations about Tom's volatile nature. The men question what will happen when Tom confronts Bob. Feverish with emotion, Bob collapses to the ground before continuing to their meeting spot, only to find Louisa absent. Assuming she is with Tom, Bob heads toward the town, disturbed by the noise of animals echoing his own internal chaos. Silence falls over the singers as a confrontation brews. Bob finds Tom and Louisa together, provoking an altercation. Twice, Bob lunges at Tom, who easily overpowers him. Persisting, Bob draws a knife, prompting Tom to retaliate with lethal force, slitting Bob's throat. As Bob stumbles toward the white neighborhood, the witnesses disperse, leaving Louisa and Tom alone in their shock.

The Terrifying Aftermath

Bob manages to reach Broad Street, collapsing into the arms of the white men there, setting off a violent chain of events. A mob quickly forms, intent on vengeance, and they march to the factory town. Capturing Tom, they bind him and drag him to the abandoned cotton mill, where they enact a horrific spectacle, tying him to a stake and setting him ablaze. The mob's cries mingle with the flames as they watch Tom's agonizing end. Meanwhile, Louisa remains on her front step, isolated and unaware of the terrible fate that has befallen Tom.