my entries for the Construct Cup |
in the middle of the earth is a cave where the world tree grows the kallikantzaroi chop at it— just why? nobody knows. they try to make the world fall down for mischief—I suppose. but Christmas eve begins a siege that lasts for twelve dark nights when kallikantzaroi leave their sawing down because there’s little light— instead, they come to reign in mischief with bumbling skill and might they slip like shadows into towns and cities found in Greece those naked men with long dark tails and blind eyes never cease to creep into each happy home just to disturb its peace. where kitchens once were spick and span they leave a royal mess, they block up chimneys, sour milk, and then they’ll reassess to see what other awful things would cause the max distress. but grannies know the ways and means to stop them, don’t you see? a colander placed at the door will keep a household free— they’ll stop to count the holes, but never, ever count to three. a log to burn for twelve long nights will stop those goblins, too. they’re scared of the sun and holy water and burning, stinky shoes, and so, to keep them far away is quite easy to do. and when Epiphany dawns bright and clear their siege at last is ended. they slink back into the world tree’s cave to find it whole. all mended. and so they snarl and raise their saws to chop it down again. line count: 42 Prompt 9 ▼ |