Jack
written by: Lynn White
It was a turnip long before it became a pumpkin,
pumpkins weren’t grown here back then
and, after our little party together
I surely needed protection
to keep the devil at bay.
It had seemed a good idea
to invite him for a drink
and a good opportunity
to part him from his cash.
I thought robbing the devil
would keep me in drinks all my life!
But I was a fool, a mean and stingy fool
now forbidden from both heaven and hell.
And hell would have been kinder to me
than this eternal wandering,
my way lit only with a devilish lantern
glowing grotesquely with my fool’s fire.
So spare a kind thought for me on Halloween
and let me close my eyes
and sleep.
Lynn White lives in north Wales. Her work is influenced by issues of social justice and events, places and people she has known or imagined. She is especially interested in exploring the boundaries of dream, fantasy and reality. She has been nominated for Pushcarts, Best of the Net and a Rhysling Award. Find Lynn at Poetry - Lynn White at Blogspot.
Latest posts by Lynn White (see all)
- Father Christmas - December 15, 2025
- Christmas Cheers - December 2, 2025
- Jack - October 26, 2025
