A dark tale of Christmas ... |
Twas the Fright Before Christmas “Twas the fright before Christmas - somewhere in the house … something was stirring and it wasn't a mouse!” “Oh Daddy, that’s not how the real story goes. It was night and real quiet as everyone knows!” I smiled down at my daughter who was perched on my lap. “This is the true story – not holiday crap.” “While it’s true old St. Nick rewards those who are good, there’s no coal for the bad kids – that’s misunderstood. There’s a special helper, Krampus is his name, and the worst of the worst are his prize to claim. He carries them off to a dark, smelly cave and gnaws on the bones of kids who misbehave! He uses their entrails like garland, you see; their fingers and toes decorate his small tree. Now it’s off to bed – no more stories tonight. Just remember the warning and, oh yeah, sleep tight!” My wife soon came out and gave me “that look.” “What did you tell her?” I held up the book. “She under the covers and shaking with fear! She said to be quiet so that she could hear.” I stuck out my tongue and gave her a Bronx cheer. “She’s prob'ly just listening for Santa’s reindeer.” She wasn't convinced but said nary a peep – “I hope that you’re right and that she goes to sleep.” Now perhaps what I did could be thought of as sin … but this is one Christmas morn that I’ll get to sleep in. An entry for the December round of "Invalid Item" Line Count: 52 Prompt: Image 2 Form: abcb end rhyme based on the original A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Moore |