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Printed from https://writing.com/main/books/entry_id/946683-kallikantzaros
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by Rhyssa Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 18+ · Book · Contest Entry · #2081410
my entries for the Construct Cup
#946683 added December 2, 2018 at 9:13am
Restrictions: None
kallikantzaros
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

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Printed from https://writing.com/main/books/entry_id/946683-kallikantzaros