Fall Writing Frenzy Entry Form 2022
Hello #FallWritingFrenzy Friends-
Yahoo!! Our competition is finally here! Kaitlyn (creator of the Fall Writing Frenzy), Alyssa (author and guest judge of the 2022 Fall Writing Frenzy), and Lydia, (co-host of the Fall Writing Frenzy) are excited to read your entries.
To enter:
- Please review the rules first to make sure you’re all set.
- Then scroll down to the FORM below, and fill in all the required fields.
- You can only fill out the form once, and when you do, we will have all your information.
Reminder: please fill out the form between October 1 and October 3, 2022 11:59 PM EST.
- If you didn’t post to your blog and/or would like to share your entry here, you can scroll to the bottom and paste your story as a comment. But- be sure to fill out the FORM first- we must have that for your entry to be valid.
- When you’ve submitted, we’d love for you to share on Twitter and tag us (Kaitlyn, Alyssa, Lydia) and your friends who you want to see a Fall Writing Frenzy entry from.
- Please support one another by reading other entries and commenting on them. To see other people’s entries, scroll down down down to the table directly below. Entries with links to their blogs should appear, simply click on the link, and you will be directed to that writer’s blog.
Please note: the form and the comments are NOT connected. Filling out the form will not create a comment, you have to do that manually. 🙂
Check the FAQs if you have any trouble.
Good luck to all!
Lydia Lukidis 
November 2, 2022 at 10:21 am
[…] Fall Writing Frenzy Entry Form 2022 […]
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October 12, 2022 at 4:38 pm
I couldn’t see my story here. It is late, but here it is for what it’s worth.
The Innocent
by Rita Antoinette Borg
WC 200
number 11 the alley
I lie in wait for him. This evening is reminiscent of a long-ago murky Halloween night when a masked assailant, massive as a bullock, crouched behind this reddish-purple façade in Eerieton, where butchers wet their blades to slay the innocent.
He camouflaged himself well, like a tiger waiting for prey behind a tall skeleton fern. I dashed home from a party. I became his victim, slashing me open. My blood spattered onto this guttered cracked alley.
After you’re gone, eternity passes quickly. The night has reached its thickest and darkest point. All Saints’ Day bravely replaces Halloween, now. Would the souls of other slain girls join me in this rescue mission to stop him? But how bizarre!? Is there not a single other ghost attempting to prevent girls from meeting their untimely demise?
The moon sits perilously high in the sky, beaming up the hill toward my house.
Mama’s at the window.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I couldn’t return.”
Someone’s with her.
“Where’s Dad?”
“Behind you.”
I scream.
” You’re a ghost!”
“They’ve killed me too?” he thunders. Other windows light up.
“They’ve kept your knives!”
“But you despise murder,” he moans across the darkness.
“Only of the innocent.”
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October 16, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Great language and plot twist! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 16, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Thank you wordwritermo much appreciated!!
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October 11, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Note to Lydia and Kaitlyn
I’ve looked for my entry among all the ones submitted on various occasions and I have yet to find it. I did complete the entry form and pasted my story under comments but I can’t find it. I don’t have a blog so I had no other way to submit. Is there a way you can help me locate it? The title of my entry was; Vampire or Perro Perfecto? 198 words. Prompt Picture #6. Thanks for your assistance. Carmen Castillo Gilbert cacegi@comcast.net
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October 8, 2022 at 4:47 pm
I don’t think my story posted here in the comments, though it is showing in the form. I am guessing it’s too late to post here but will do so just in case (I did complete the form a the right time, not sure why my comment didn’t work). Sorry it’s taken me so long to realise – it’s been a crazy week in the classroom! Anyway… it’s a great competition and so many amazing entries. It’s been great fun reading through.
LETTING GO
“Hold on!” shouts mum from the landing.
“Nope! You’re doing enough holding on for us both,” Lily yells back. “I’ll walk to the theatre.”
She stalks into the crisp afternoon. Her anger and a new jolt of nerves crackle in her chest as she grips her dance shoes. The path ahead is dull and brown, in every sense, but the Fall Contest could finally change things.
Autumn leaves cling, quivering, to branches and the wind holds its breath.
* * *
In the wings, Lily lets the shushing sooth her as the curtains slide open. Applause.
She steps out… her pupils retreating to pinholes in the glaring light.
The piano plinks… Lily responds, stiff at first, then easing into the familiar flow.
The audience rustles with approval.
Outside, a sudden swoosh of wind sends the first flurry of crisp leaves free in graceful spirals. Those remaining whisper, excited at the leap just taken.
* * *
“That was incredible!” gushes mum backstage.
Lily is still flushed, beaming: “I just… let go!”
Emerging from the theatre into the soft evening light, they pause: “Oh!”
The pathway home is a red carpet.
Mum smiles… nods: “Letting go, in all its glory.”
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 9, 2022 at 9:24 am
Love the imagery!
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October 11, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Your writing style is so beautiful! I really hope they’ll allow your entry into the contest, as the story you wrote is wonderful.
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October 16, 2022 at 1:01 pm
A roller coaster of emotion. Good work! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 6, 2022 at 9:37 am
[…] story entry for the 2022 Fall Writing Frenzy Contest run by Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Sanchez (go here to find the other […]
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October 4, 2022 at 9:36 am
Mission Complete! (Moribund – at or near death)
By Eric Herrington (Inspired by Picture #8 Image: Halloween- Credit: Selina Wing for Bing)
The robot’s central circuity arced – whirrrr…swoosh… a chest panel opened, smoke billowed and engulfed Moribund’s atmospheric suit. Sparks leapt onto the dry grass, the weight of his boots snapped twigs and dug deep imprints – the cycle thrummed slower now, whirred, and went silent. The cycle’s lights circled, pulsed, and dimmed – “cells depleted.” Message read.
“This will have to work…” Moribund said. The full moon shone through the smoke funnel.
He scanned the surface for radiation, temperature, and gasses. “Atmospheric conditions acceptable”.
“ROAAAAAR” the creature’s voice echoed through the cave – a gridwork of Jack-o’- lanterns haloed at the entrance. “SCRAPE SCRAAAAPE SCREECH,” the piercing sound disrupted his telemetry, he turned back, in his periphery – a reinforced steel cage hitched to his light cycle. “It’s transformed now…must be hungry.” He thought. “No one else wanted this job…But I’m the outdated model ‘this unit decommissioned…expendable’” he played back the recording.
“I get one shot at this…” Moribund approached the tungsten cage – replaying instructions: “TO COMPLETE MISSION: OPEN HERE – EXTREME CAUTION.” The creature rose on its hind legs, crashed, bent, and clawed the bars. He looked up, reading metrics, “earth’s moon….amplified effects…may be a catalyst for?-” The latch opened… “Mission complete!”
*************************************************************************************************
submitted on 10/3 but wanted to add here for comments. Please visit my blog at https://ericherrington.com/
Can you guess what the animal is?
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October 4, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Love all the sounds! Very fun.
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October 5, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Thank you!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:20 am
Hmm. Full moon. Is it a werewolf? Super creepy!
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October 5, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Correct answer “werewolf”! You got it Debbie. The lit jack-o’-lanterns picture made me think of a maze type of cave entrance – perfect place to release a dangerous creature. It was fun to do a sci-fi genre – decommissioned malfunctioning robot (Moribund) who was chosen for dangerous duty – keeper of the werewolf creature and delivering it to another planet.
CLUES: “It’s transformed now…must be hungry”, and “full moon” and “earth’s moon…amplified effects…may be a catalyst for?-“
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October 6, 2022 at 7:33 pm
This is really atmospheric! I love all the world-building through technical details to do with the robot, and the background menace of the creature about to be released!
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October 7, 2022 at 8:43 am
Thank you!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:21 am
Love the atmosphere! A fun story with a spooky werewolf! Nice!
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October 7, 2022 at 4:57 pm
I like your descriptions! Cool story!
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October 8, 2022 at 12:50 am
ERIC: Your action and descriptive words TRULY paint a VIVID story! I felt like I was right next to Moribund–though, I would have been RUNNING for my life! GOOD thing I’m NOT a BRAVE robot! 😉
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October 16, 2022 at 1:08 pm
I definitely thought “werewolf,” but am late to the game. LOL! Nice piece. Good luck! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2022 at 9:17 am
(Sorry if this is posted twice – I went to check the entry this AM and realized the comment seemed to have not been posted . . . that I can find)
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October 4, 2022 at 9:19 am
It still didn’t post the whole comment!
The Haunted Washer
By Amy Flynn
The rattles and clatters proved it.
Milton’s washer was haunted.
Not for long, ghosty! Milton thought, tinkering a trap.
Soon,
Bump! Thud!
“What the sock!?” Milton shouted.
Mooooooaaaaaan, replied a long-lost sock ghost.
Milton couldn’t live with a ghoul, so he oogie-boogied, magic-wordied the ghost, banishing him.
But the next day, the ghost returned.
Mooooaaaaaan?
Milton tried tricking it, burying it, and mailing it.
The sock ghost came back, back, back.
“What do you want?” moaned Milton.
Moooooaaaaan! the ghost moaned, hopping atop a dusty shelf, and slipping into . . .
The odd sock bin.
Milton peeked inside to see,
A crumpled sock.
Crying.
The ghost’s match, Milton realized, watching the two socks, unable to hug.
Milton’s heart tugged and he did the only thing he could think of. He slipped the lonely, forgotten sock onto his foot.
Ahhhhhhh, whispered the happy ghost, vanishing.
Behind him Milton heard a, moooooaaaaaan.
Another sock ghost gazed hopefully up at him from the washer.
Milton sighed, rustled up the sock’s match, and slipped it onto his other foot.
Mooooooaaaaan!
Moooooooaaaaaan!
Moooooooooooaaaaaaaan!
Before long Miilton’s hands, elbows, knees, and ears were also socked, and he left the room to a chorus of happy whispers.
Ahhhhhhhhh
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:34 am
This is so cute! I can just see poor Milton covered in socks.
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October 4, 2022 at 3:44 pm
I love the theme of socks! And you have such nice music in your words.
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October 4, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Adorable and fun! I love the happy ending!
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October 5, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Great! I was scared at first experiencing the suspense of not knowing the sock ghost’s intentions but I love a happy humorous ending. I bet parent’s will appreciate this and kiddos will try to be more like Milton feeling bad for mismatched socks!
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October 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm
I enjoyed this fun story!
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October 8, 2022 at 4:12 am
Love this! I have one of those odd sock bins. I better find their match before they haunt me.
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October 9, 2022 at 9:30 am
Sock ghosts! Love it 🙂
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October 16, 2022 at 1:12 pm
What a clever entry! I love this story of lost socks and finding their way to….salvation? Haha! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2022 at 8:17 am
ILLUMINATING DARKNESS
By Jyn Hall
I’ve been walking in darkness for so long.
I don’t know how long.
But I know not always.
There was a Before.
When my life wasn’t as black as an ancient cave.
When my feet weren’t bloodied and torn.
When I wasn’t hungry.
Or alone.
Memories of light.
Light memories.
So ephemeral when I try to grasp them,
they wisp away to nothingness.
Ahead —
A hint of illumination?
So subtle, like the moment dawn tiptoes out of night’s arms.
If I cross this liminal space, do things get better?
Or worse?
I cross, of course I do.
Nothing can be worse than this deep, endless midnight.
Where it makes no difference if my eyes are open or closed.
Feet pulled out of the mire hit hard, slick stone.
A sensation from my past…pavement,
where light bleeds a path.
The solitary amber glow ahead—ominous or welcoming?—
reveals a door.
I shuffle forward.
Knock, knock.
Hope is a breath held.
The door opens.
A kindly face on the verge of a smile…
Freezes.
A scream.
Mine?
No, hers.
“But…I think…
I belong in the Light.
To the Light.
Please, stop screaming.
Stop.
Screaming.
“I said, STOP.”
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October 4, 2022 at 9:04 am
Soooo good Jyn! I love this!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:10 am
Really great! I love this line…”the moment dawn tiptoes out of night’s arms.”
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October 4, 2022 at 9:15 am
Jyn! This is awesome! What happens next?!?
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October 4, 2022 at 9:25 am
This is sooo good! (I’ll try not to be mad at you when I can’t sleep tonight…)
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October 4, 2022 at 10:11 am
Jyn, this gave me perfect, lingering nightmares. Well done!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Love the feeling you create! Nice!
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October 5, 2022 at 6:44 am
Jyn, this is so lyrical! Great job!
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October 5, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Great! The twist at the end not realizing that the “being” she has become is scary to the other person (perhaps because she had been exposed so long to the darkness?) answering the door, is this person answering the door her liminal self before she transitioned across the liminal doorway? Wow!
Very suspenseful. I admit I had to look up “ephemeral” and “liminal space”
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October 5, 2022 at 11:10 pm
Love this perspective! 🧟♀️
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October 6, 2022 at 4:58 pm
Ooooh, creepy!
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October 7, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Dark! I like it!
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October 9, 2022 at 9:33 am
Love the ending! 🙂
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October 11, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Love the suspense! Great read!
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October 16, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Such stunning language in this work, and then that ending…so interesting! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 4, 2022 at 12:55 am
SOAK MY BONES
by Matt Gallagher
Weeel, it felt good to give these old bones a soak. I was dead tired today and a little sore. Gotta take the booots off and rest a bit. Won’t be long until winter now. Things will get drier and drier. Speakin of cacti, things got real prickly at the halloween party last night. I went, dressed as an old friend of mine, Phineas Gage. Couldn’t mingle a bit. Kept knockin’ folks drinks over until they kicked me out of the saloon. Went skiddin right down the street on my tail bone.
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October 4, 2022 at 9:15 am
I love the voice! Nice job!
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October 4, 2022 at 11:33 am
I thought about writing about this picture too. Like the humor – “old bones”, “dead tired” “skiddin’…on my tail bone”
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October 4, 2022 at 3:48 pm
Love the tone and the humor! Nice!
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October 5, 2022 at 6:45 am
I think I relate to your character! Great job!
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October 5, 2022 at 7:33 am
Good wordplay. Good luck!
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October 16, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Sounds like this old boy had a rough night and deserves that soak. LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Gruesome Bubbles
by Jess Freeman
Mama says I’ve got to bathe.
“No!” I say, “I won’t!”
“You’re filthy and you need a scrub, now hop inside that tub!”
I grumble and I drag my feet, then peer down at the water.
It’s fresh and clear and steaming warm…
I hate it all the more.
I dip my toe to test it out, then slip in to my knees.
My dirty toes swirl round with brown, I muddy up the water.
It’s not a bath…
It’s now a grimy puddle! I start to splash with glee.
I swim around and churn the dirt,
I even add some bubbles.
When mom comes in to take me out, I give a little shout!
“I won’t get out. I’m here to stay!”
“Your time is up.” She warns.
I duck my head and start to pout, but then I see my fingers.
They’re turning soft. They’re white as bones.
The life’s drained out, and left them wrinkly!
“I’m dead!” I cry. “I knew a bath would kill me!”
LikeLiked by 11 people
October 4, 2022 at 8:56 am
Hahaha – Love the unexpected, funny (yet dark) ending:-)
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October 4, 2022 at 9:13 am
Very cute! I love how when it’s more like a mud puddle the child loves it. 🙂
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October 4, 2022 at 11:41 am
Reminds me of my son when he was younger, he hated to take a bath and needed several reminders at then he didn’t want to leave. Like the line “I knew a bath would kill me!”, “life’s drained out…”, “your time is up…” subtext with double meaning.
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October 4, 2022 at 3:46 pm
This is so cute! Great spooky ending!
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October 5, 2022 at 7:36 am
I loved the ending!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Haha! Love the humor in this and my children can totally relate 😀
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October 8, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Brilliant! Smiled the whole way through!
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October 9, 2022 at 9:36 am
Love the ending!
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October 16, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Resistance is futile, little one. Just give in, the adults always win the bath war. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 18, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Love this story!!
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October 19, 2022 at 8:41 am
Love the ending!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:23 pm
COUNT DOGULA
~Natalie Lynn Tanner
The closet door creaked.
Oscar twitched from nose to tail.
He knew what was coming.
His human, Tony,
revealed Oscar’s newest costume.
Tuxedo.
Cape.
Fangs!?!
BEHOLD,
COUNT DOGULA!
Tony smiled.
Oscar groaned.
How could he say “no”?
Tony yanked and pulled,
this way and that,
until Oscar felt like a stuffed vampire sausage.
He looked ridiculous.
But the cape won him over.
He ZOOMED through the house,
black silk rippling behind him.
He was COUNT DOGULA,
hunting for fresh blood—er,
TREATS!
Outside,
lightning ZIGZAGGED across the Halloween night sky.
Thunder RUMBLED.
COUNT DOGULA’S tummy replied.
He MUST have treats!
He MUST have them NOW!
All Tony saw was a FLASH of midnight black.
Suddenly,
he was on the floor.
Something fury
—something fury that HOWLED!—
was on top of him,
attacking him with . . .
SLOBBERY KISSES!!!
The captive laughed.
The attacker stopped
—but only when Tony’s hand revealed treats.
Tony yanked and pulled,
this way and that,
finally releasing the real captive from his cursed costume.
At least until next Halloween.
LikeLiked by 9 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:18 am
So cute, Natalie! I knew from the title I was going to love it.
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October 4, 2022 at 11:35 am
This is so much fun! Great job.
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October 4, 2022 at 11:49 am
Love that Oscar “COUNT DOGULA” is tolerant enough to wear the costume and his reasoning is that the cape makes it okay. I bet that is how our pets feel when we dress them up “like stuffed…sausage” lol
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October 4, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Cute…scary…and sweet! Good job!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:44 pm
I love Count Dogula! Cute story and fun to read!
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October 4, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Count Dogula! I love it, and who doesn’t love a cape? Fun story.
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October 5, 2022 at 7:40 am
Loved this, Oscar felt like a stuffed vampire sausage.
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October 7, 2022 at 5:10 pm
This story makes me smile! Good job!
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October 9, 2022 at 9:37 am
So cute!
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October 11, 2022 at 3:08 pm
Aww, this is such a fun story! “Stuffed vampire sausage” — great imagery!
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October 16, 2022 at 1:49 pm
The things we do to our poor pets. But they’re so CUTE! LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 11:21 pm
Bat-Dog
All Ralph’s dog friends did special things. They did tricks, helped their owners, and got awards. His family loved him and that should have been enough, but Ralph really wanted to feel important.
Ralph, tried to fly, but he couldn’t.
He tried to leap tall buildings, but he couldn’t.
He tried to do tricks, but all his dog friends laughed at him.
“Why can’t I do something important?” Ralph asked himself every day.
One Halloween, he put his Bat-costume on.
“Where are you, Ralph?” Susie called out. “I need you!”
“She needs ME??” Ralph couldn’t believe his ears. “Really, me?” he thought.
“Where’s my Bat-Dog?” She called out. “Look at me!” [Art: She was wearing a Bat Girl costume].
“Wow!” Ralph thought. “I wonder if this means what I think it does?”
Ralph and Susie went trick-or-treating together! [Art: Dog friends watching from their houses.]
“Look at me!” Ralph strutted along with Susie. “I’m important.”
Every Halloween after that, Ralph put his Bat costume on and felt important
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:21 am
Aww, I love Ralph! I would love to see this expanded and hear some of the dialogue between Ralph and his dog friends.
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October 14, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Thanks, Debbie, Me too. I was bound by the word count 😉 But I’m going to continue the story on my own.
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October 4, 2022 at 11:52 am
Awww I was cheering for Ralph…bet this concept would be a timely children’s title on the theme of significance or feeling important.
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October 4, 2022 at 1:42 pm
This is adorable! Sweet Ralph!
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October 5, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Ralph is such a lovable character! I’m so glad he found a way to be special right alongside Susie!
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October 16, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Everyone wants to feel needed. It’s great that Ralph found his purpose. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Veiled Reflections
By Megan Groh
No, no, no, nooo! One of the candles slid into the mirror frame. Carrying the obnoxious amount of candles balanced on the mirror was a precarious decision.
“Really hope that wasn’t you Mom” I said, noticing the delicately painted ‘No’ on the candle’s edge. After four years of talking through the candles, the thought of Mom not wanting to talk anymore terrified me. The fleeting reflection incident left me apprehensive, but this Halloween I wanted to see her, not just talk.
The candles encircled the mirror on her bedroom floor, ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I don’t know’ closest to me. Tucked by my feet, a little box with all the questions I would’ve asked her over the past year.
“Mom!” I yelled, letting the empty echo quiet before lighting the first candle. The flame sat dancing on ‘I love you’. A tight cold pulled at my shoulders and ribs. The flame popped.
‘Hugs’ lit up across the mirror.
A tear escaped when I smiled, “I still miss you.”
The flame jumped, ‘I’m sorry’ lit.
“In August, did I see you in a reflection? Can I see you now?”
The flame wobbled…
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October 4, 2022 at 9:24 am
So is that a yes??
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October 4, 2022 at 11:56 am
Love the message…eerie and reassuring at the same time.
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October 4, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Such a sweet Halloween love story!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm
I think we all wish we could communicate to our loved ones that are no longer with us. Suspense and heartfelt story all in one. Good work! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 10:53 pm
Evil Takes Flight
by Claire Lewis (200 words; image #1 – glowing pumpkin-man with crows)
In a dark, chilly field, where just hours earlier noisy families chose cheerful orange globes for their Halloween displays, an ancient evil rose from the depths and crawled up through the roots of three pumpkin vines. Soon, hidden beneath the smooth skin of three pumpkins – one large, one medium, one small – there began a fizzing, an unnaturally fast ripening, an audible squirming and festering. The medium pumpkin grew two nodules which erupted into thin stick-arms. With one arm it picked up the small pumpkin; with the other, it dragged itself over to the large pumpkin, hooked its stick-fingers into it and hauled itself up on top. Next, the stick-fingers punched eyeholes and a leering mouth into the small pumpkin and carefully positioned it to form a head. A sickly glow and a foul stench spread into the now strangely warm night air. The carrion-like reek did not go unnoticed. Crows flapped like tattered shrouds in the sky, then descended to pick at the rotting mulch with their sharp beaks. As they feasted, the pumpkins’ glow faded and was finally extinguished, only to shine out from each crow’s eyes as the evil took flight, up and away into the unsuspecting world.
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October 3, 2022 at 11:23 pm
wow “crows flapped like tattered shrouds” wonderfully creepy imagery!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Thank you!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:26 am
Seriously creepy! I love the description of the crows – “like tattered shrouds.”
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October 6, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Thank you, Debbie!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Wow! This is a great spooky Halloween story!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Thank you, Jill!
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October 5, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Great imagery and bravo on the creepiness! I loved, loved the last line! Well done!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Thank you for your kind comment, Judy!
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October 8, 2022 at 4:19 am
Oh wow! This is creepy. Wonderful description, especially the last sentence. Good luck!
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October 8, 2022 at 7:56 am
Thank you very much for your kind words!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:03 pm
I want to know what started this spookiness. Keep going! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 16, 2022 at 6:41 pm
I don’t know… it just sort of surfaced out of my nice, sweet, picture book writing and… mwa-ha-ha!!
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October 3, 2022 at 10:41 pm
The Shofar Calls
by Janet Krauthamer
Reflecting on the year that passed,
admitting our mistakes.
On Rosh Hashanah, we can mend
the promises we break.
The Shofar sounds its wake-up call,
a deep and mighty blast.
It tells us to look inward
as symbolic stones are cast.
Tekiah!
We dance and sing on sacred ground,
as summer turns to fall.
The cantor softly strums guitar
beneath a prayer shawl.
Let’s dip the apples, sticky sweet.
Eat Challah, warm and round.
Sip grape juice- careful not to spill.
The Shofar blares three sounds:
Shevarim!
We’ll strive to make the world we know
more peaceful and complete.
We’ll lend a hand or listening ear
to strangers that we meet.
The Shofar, polished to a sheen,
plays nine bursts in a row,
reminding us of where we’ve been
and where we need to go.
Teruah!
With acts of kindness, we are asked
to wipe the year’s slate clean.
Act justly on the holidays,
and all days in between.
Tradition helps connect us to
the future and the past.
The Shofar blasts its final note.
We count how long it lasts.
Tekiah Gedolah!
Shanah Tova! Happy New Year!
May your days be filled with hope and cheer.
Pronunciation Guide:
Tekiah! (tuh-KEE-ah)
Shevarim! (shih-vah-REEM)
Teruah! (tih-ROO-ahh)
Tekiah Gedolah! (tuh-KEE-ah gi-DOH-lah)
Shanah Tova (sha-NAH to-VAH)
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:30 am
I love this, Janet! What a lovely celebration.
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October 4, 2022 at 10:06 am
Thank you, Debbie!
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October 4, 2022 at 12:03 pm
I like the metaphorical imagery of “mending” broken promises and “lending a hand or listening ear” and the cultural significance.
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October 4, 2022 at 5:03 pm
Thank you!!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:35 pm
This is so beautiful, Janet! I love it!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Lovely! As you say, such a nice connection to past and future. Love the pronunciation guide too!
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October 4, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Thanks very much!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:52 pm
This is wonderful – so evocative!
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October 5, 2022 at 1:35 pm
This has such a lively, upbeat tone! I love how you used the Shofar throughout and how you explain, in excellent verse no less, the Jewish New Year terms!
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October 5, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, Judy!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:10 pm
What I love about the FWF entries that are religious or cultural is getting to learn something new. The pronunciations are a great addition to a wonderfully written work. Thank you! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 17, 2022 at 6:09 pm
Beautiful! You’ve captured the holiday perfectly 😊
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October 3, 2022 at 10:39 pm
Reunion time
By Rosalba Ruíz
—
Eight-year-old Raul is so excited to see his cousins tonight.
When it starts to get dark, he follows the path of marigolds that his family left for him to find his way to the gathering.
He gets to the party just in time!
Two grownups play the guitar. Another two sing along. Children run around and play. Candles flicker everywhere. Bunches of flowers surround them.
It’s a little chilly, but the mood is warm.
There’s Ricardo! There’s Julian! They’re eating the special bread.
Raul sits next to them and savors the yummy smells.
This party is for him. He dances and sings. He eats and he laughs.
Though no one else can hear him, he thanks them and tells them he loves them.
It’s time for him to go. He’ll be back for next year’s All Saints Day.
He wonders why they also call the celebration Day of the Dead when he feels so alive.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2022 at 11:29 pm
Oh, wow. Great job!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:31 am
I did not see that coming. Nice job!
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October 4, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Love the twist ending, nice job on this bittersweet story.
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October 4, 2022 at 8:35 pm
Great job! Love the little twist at end.
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October 5, 2022 at 5:10 pm
I can totally picture the scene from Raul’s perspective “follows the path of marigolds”…”candles flickering” “flowers surround them”
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October 6, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Love that change in perspective!
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October 10, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Wow! Great twist at the end! 🙂
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October 16, 2022 at 2:15 pm
What a sweet story. Love this imagining of how the spirits find their way to their loved ones still among the living and how they feel during the celebration. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 10:38 pm
Haunted Path
By Sarah Skolfield
Chloe and her mummy friend, Mona, accidentally picked apples until sunset. Well, they picked apples on purpose, but they meant to go home earlier. So, it was accidental that they were still in the orchard as the sky darkened.
Now, they had to go down the haunted path. After dark.
Moonlight shifted through the treetops. Leaves crunched under their feet. No big deal.
BLEEEHHH!
Chloe almost jumped out of her skin. Mona almost jumped out of her wrappings.
“A ghost!” said Chloe. “I’m afraid of ghosts.”
“No, it’s a goat!” said Mona. “I’m afraid of goats.”
BLEEEHHH!!
“It will chew on me!” Mona tightened a loose piece of wrapping.
“It will walk right through me!” Chloe shuddered as a breeze brushed by.
Holding hands for bravery, they turned a corner and…
BLEEEHHH!!!
“A ghost!” screamed Chloe.
“A goat!” screamed Mona.
Ghost goat bleated and fell over.
It didn’t look dangerous lying on its back, legs pointed toward the sky.
“It fainted!” said Mona.
“It’s a fainting goat ghost!” said Chloe.
Mona offered ghost goat an apple, which disappeared.
Now the path isn’t haunted anymore. Mona and Chloe visit often and always bring a treat.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Ohhh, I loved it! So cute!
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October 4, 2022 at 8:55 am
Heh, heh, heh! Nice job, Sarah! Love the goat ghost!!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:40 am
This is really cute. I love the suspense at the beginning and then the fainting ghost goat breaks the tension, Nice job!
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October 4, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Love the creativity and imagination on a “ghost goat”…I thought it was going to simply be a goat until the last section when it really was ghost…satisfying ending.
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October 4, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Cute! Nice story arc in such a tight space. Just the right amount of spooky! 🙂
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October 5, 2022 at 7:49 am
Cute and funny. “It’s a fainting goat ghost!” Well done!
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October 12, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Hilarious!
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October 13, 2022 at 2:38 pm
This is so funny!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Haha! I’ve got to read this to my husband, he loves all things goats, fainting goats, baby pygmy goats, all of it! Great story and I’m glad Mona didn’t get eaten. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 9:43 pm
Ooey, Gooey, Sticky Sweet
By Amanda Flinn
Juicy apples in a tree
Fill a bag for you and me
Take ‘em home to wash and dry
Pluck the stems and watch ‘em fly.
Line up apples, grab a stick
Stab and jab ‘em, fast and quick
Parchment paper, cookie sheet
Unwrap candy, crank the heat.
Melt the caramel, add the milk
Stir until it’s smooth like silk
Set to simmer, then we dip
Twirling, swirling – drip! drip! drip!
Grab the sprinkles, shake ‘em out
Dip in nuts or go without
Chocolate drizzle, dark or white
Almost ready for a bite.
Ten more minutes, watch the clock
Have mom grab a carving block
Ooey, gooey, sticky, sweet
Caramel apples can’t be beat!
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2022 at 11:12 pm
This is stinking cute!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:10 am
Cute! The only line I got tripped up on was “stir unitl it’s smooth like silk.” Perhaps consider “stir til smooth like liquid silk.” Great job and catchy rhythm 🙂
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October 4, 2022 at 9:41 am
Love this! Makes me want to make caramel apples!
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October 4, 2022 at 12:14 pm
makes me want to make caramel apples…great job on the rhyme…my favorite line and part in the process other than eating them is “Twirling, swirling – drip! drip! drip!”
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October 5, 2022 at 7:53 am
Now I’m craving for candied apples.
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October 5, 2022 at 8:19 am
Great rhymes and meter–so much fun!
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October 5, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Now I’m hungry!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:35 pm
I am so hungry and this isn’t helping at ALL! Haha! Fantastic work! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 9:15 pm
WHAT A FRIEND
By Cindy Greene
(Inspired by photo #7: Diwali- Credit: Nandu Menon for Unsplash)
Luca leapt when Riaan invited him to the Diwali celebration. He know this was important, and couldn’t wait to go.
Now the drums pounded.
The dancers twirled.
The colors swirled.
It was even better than Luca imagined.
But as one group performed,
the ball in Luca’s hands slipped,
slid,
and skidded into the dancers.
Oh no!
A dancer tripped,
Arms flailed,
Another ducked
Luca paled…
…and dove under a nearby table to hide. He hugged his legs.
His tears flowed.
He had ruined everything!
“Luca!”
Riaan was looking for him.
Thump, thump!
Luca’s heart pounded and he squeezed his legs tighter.
“Luca!”
Thump, thump!
Wait – that pounding came from the drums, not his heart.
Luca peered out. The dancers were still dancing!
Luca could see Riaan’s shoes were running, searching, darting. Not facing the performers.
Luca knew he had to come out.
“I’m sorry,” said Luca, “for ruining the performance – and your time.”
“You didn’t ruin anything,” said Riaan. “Accidents happen. Did I ever tell you about accidentally setting my napkin on fire at my cousin’s birthday? Now that caused some funny dancing!”
What a friend for making light of the situation, thought Luca.
The boys giggled and hugged.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:43 am
Aw, sweet friendship story! Nice!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Thanks!
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October 4, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Riaan is so gracious what a great friend for Luca. I can picture all the chaos caused by the ball that slipped out and Luca’s anxiety.
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October 4, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Thank you!
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October 8, 2022 at 10:36 am
Lovely! Did I ever tell you about accidentally setting my napkin on fire at my cousin’s birthday? Now that caused some funny dancing!” The real meaning of friendship.
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October 18, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 11, 2022 at 9:18 pm
You’re writing is so incredible! It drew me right in (or should I say “write in”) and I love how wholesome the ending is. ❤
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October 18, 2022 at 2:05 pm
That’s so nice of you to say. Thanks!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:39 pm
What a friend to set his mind at ease. No big deal. Nothing to see here! @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 9:09 pm
44 Hallow Hill Road
“It’s Halloween!” I leaped and screamed as I hurried down the hall,
I’ve waited all year to conquer my fear of the spookiest house of all
Hair-raising books, scary movies galore to prepare me for tonight,
I’ll walk up the hill to house 44, the location of Dracula’s ball.
Legend would tell of the moonlit spell cast centuries ago,
On Halloween night, the masters of fright gather from every shadow
Trick-or-treaters beware, you’re in for a scare if you take one step through the gate,
You still have a chance, best turn around now, run – don’t walk, go home!
Enough is enough of this silly house, I’ve trained for this all year,
But as I approached, I locked eyes with a ghost, trembling with fear
Cobwebs glistened in lantern lights, hung on corroded gates,
I took one step down the cobbled path; an eerie howl filled the air.
“What’s so scary?” I said to myself, goosebumps down to my toes,
Thoughts of zombies slurping my brain, like noodles through my nose!
A shadow grew larger as I arrived at the door, a monster emerged from the fog,
It wasn’t a witch, zombie or ghost, it was Dracula’s chubby pug dog!
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Nice surprise ending! Very cute.
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October 4, 2022 at 9:45 am
I love the buildup of anticipation and then it’s the dog!
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October 9, 2022 at 10:03 am
🙂 thank you so much, Debbie!
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October 5, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Enjoyed the detailed imagery “show not tell” – “cobwebs glistened in lantern lights, hung on corroded gates”. Fun ending. I may have turned around at the warning…”you’re in for a scare if you take one step through the gate”…lol.
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October 9, 2022 at 10:03 am
Lol! Thank you so much, Eric!
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October 9, 2022 at 10:02 am
Thank you so much cinzialverde!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:43 pm
If Dracula has a pug, how bad can he really be? Seems like a pushover! It’ll be fine, totally fine… @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 8:41 pm
A Mooncake for Diwali
Carren Jao
“Let me show you something beautiful,” said Priya to her friend, Lily.
“What is it?”
“It’s magic!” said Priya, “But I need your help.”
“What should I do?”
“Take this bag of colored sand and pour it on the floor.”
While Lily poured, Priya came around behind her, shaping this way and that. Priya soon gave Lily another bag, and then another.
As the two girls worked, rainbow colored swirls took shape on the floor. The swirls then became petals that turned into flowers. Soon it was complete.
“What is it?” asked Lily.
“It’s a rangoli. My family makes it for Diwali, the festival of lights,” said Priya. “This is for good luck.”
“Now it’s my turn to show you some magic,” said Lily, as she gently took a pastry out of her backpack.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a mooncake. My mama makes it especially for this time of year to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.”
“See that?” Lily pointed to the top of the mooncake, whose crust was decorated with swirls.
Priya’s eyes grew wide. “Just like our rangoli!”
“Yes, it’s beautiful,” said Lily, as she split the mooncake in two. “Now, it’s my turn to share with you.”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 8:43 pm
This is gorgeous! Nice work!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Thank you so much! It’s so wonderful to read these words 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 9:17 pm
Love this story – the sharing and drawing parallels is great.
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October 6, 2022 at 9:19 pm
Thank you!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:49 am
What a sweet friendship story. I love the sharing of cultures.
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October 6, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Thank you so much for homing in on that. I agree, I love it when people are able to meet on common ground. I appreciate that you saw that as well! ❤
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October 17, 2022 at 8:45 am
I love stories of friendship and sharing. Beautiful imagery as well. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 8:32 pm
THE CROW
By Julie Angeli
A crow picked at a dead possum by the light of the moon, while I waited for my friend Amanda at the sleepy corner of Berkshire and Bradford. The wind gnawed at my cheeks and sent leaves crackling as they blew past the sewer drain.
Amanda was late, as usual. She’d blame her stepbrother Joey, who her parents had dumped on her for the night. Joey had a speech impediment and a slow gait. Amanda constantly tried to hurry him up while struggling to understand his words.
The wind picked up, but the crow stayed near, now perched on a mailbox – waiting for the next dead thing. I walked down Bradford, in the direction of Amanda’s house. The crow flew ahead, his squawks echoing through the night. I thought I saw Amanda’s yellow baseball cap in the distance.
The putrid smell of mold and dead leaves filled the air. I held my breath. The figure came closer, but it wasn’t Amanda. It was her brother wearing her cap. He grunted and flicked a piece of dead skin off his nose. Then he ambled toward me, dragging his back leg, while the crow landed on his shoulder, ready to dine.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
Great story!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:52 am
Creepy crow! And brother. What happened to Amanda??
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October 4, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Good question! I figured the reader could use their imagination. I’m thinking that Joey got her.
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October 5, 2022 at 8:02 am
I got goosebumps.
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October 17, 2022 at 8:51 am
What. Happened. I need to know! You can’t just leave us hanging like this. It’s not nice. Not nice at all. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 8:25 pm
The A-maze-zing Lulu
“See you at the exit!” Lulu’s parents called as their children started the fall festival’s great jack-o-lantern maze.
Lulu was the youngest in her family, the shortest, always trailing her sister and brothers.
“Are you scared, little Lulu?” her sister teased.
“No!” But she wasn’t sure.
In daylight the tall walls of bright orange pumpkins smiled happily at her.
But now the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns glowed around her. Their toothy grins looked hungry. She stared and fiery eyes stared back.
Lulu realized she was alone.
And scared.
She wished she’d never come to this maze!
But then Lulu heard crying. She hurried and found Sammy, her little neighbor, alone and scared. “I can’t find my mommy,” he wailed.
Sometimes Sammy ran off and got lost.
“The pumpkins are scary, Lulu!”
With a big breath, Lulu summoned her courage. She couldn’t let the pumpkin faces scare her. She had to be brave for Sammy.
She told him, “The pumpkins will light our way” and held his hand. She led them through the maze’s twists and turns.
At the exit Sammy’s worried mother scooped him up.
Lulu’s whole family watched as Sammy declared, “Lulu is my hero!”
Lulu’s face glowed with pride.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 3, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Aww, what a great ending!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:55 am
Lulu’s my hero! Overcoming her fear to help Sammy find his way. Nice!
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October 8, 2022 at 5:09 am
Lovely story about courage, frienship and overcoming ones fear.
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October 3, 2022 at 7:55 pm
REVENGE (image #4)
By Emily Keifer
Someone had ripped her friends from the patch. And Jacquelanne was going to do something about it.
When the black curtain of night drew down from the sky, she scavenged for a sharp rock and began to carve. The caverns of her freshly scraped features were caked with dirt and freckled with seeds.
Jacquelanne cloaked herself in a forgotten sweatshirt and replaced herself upon the scarecrow’s body.
A handful of leaves were set ablaze inside her skull.
Her stringy innards cast eerie shadows behind her eyes and mouth.
She was ready to avenge her friends.
Jacquelanne lurched towards town, straw feet scratching and scraping the pavement.
A shaky voice behind her choked out, “wh-whoooo are y-you?”
She wedged a spare strand of straw into her skull to invigorate the fiery glow in her eyes,
“I’m Tern. Jacquelanne Tern. And I’m here for revenge.”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Yessss, love a vengeful ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2022 at 9:56 am
I love the name! What a great mix of scary and funny!
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October 8, 2022 at 5:12 am
When the black curtain of night drew down from the sky. Finally a female lantern. Original. Good luck!
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October 8, 2022 at 8:01 am
Thank you ❤️
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October 17, 2022 at 8:54 am
I’m glad they aren’t all this angry or we’d be in trouble with a capital T. LOL! Fun work! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 7:20 pm
FLIP-FLOP-A-FLUB (Image #2)
by
Pat Finnegan
Rub-a-dub-dub,
My bones rest in this tub,
And who do you think I see?
A witch with a wand,
Chanting, “Bone-Man, be gone!”
Shake-shaking her broomstick at me.
Shake-a-shake-shake,
My bones quiver and quake,
And who do you think I see?
A ghost covered with goo,
Shouting, “One, two, three, BOO!
Shock-shocking that witchy and me.
Flip-flop-a-flub,
Three ghouls fall in the tub,
And who do you think we be?
A shocker, a shaker,
A bony bath-taker,
Scrub-scrubbing each other, we three!
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2022 at 9:58 am
What a fun take on 3 men in a tub! Nice job!
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October 4, 2022 at 6:03 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed my story, Debbie. Thank you for taking the time to write a comment.
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October 4, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Very cute and clever!
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October 4, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Many thanks for taking the time to comment on my story and for your kind remarks:-)
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October 4, 2022 at 5:38 pm
spooky, fun and catchy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 8, 2022 at 5:13 am
This is so much fun. Reminds me of three men in a tub.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 8, 2022 at 2:33 pm
So, so clever! Love this spin on an oldie, but a goodie!
@mowrex (Twitter)
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October 8, 2022 at 4:16 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed it, AND many thanks for taking the time to comment:-)
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October 8, 2022 at 5:23 pm
You’re welcome! It’s my favorite part of Fall Writing Frenzy…the support! Sharing and getting to see what everyone comes up with is great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Love your version of the old rhyme! 🙂
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October 11, 2022 at 9:55 am
Glad you enjoyed my Halloween version of the Three Men in a Tub, and many thanks for taking the time to read and comment
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October 3, 2022 at 7:18 pm
The Advantage of Dead Friends
Jasmine stretched metal wire between her fingers, attaching a bleached white humerus to a scapula.
“What are you doing?”
Jasmine recognized the voice of her best friend—and the judgment that dripped from his words. She turned around, glaring at him. “I’m assembling a skeleton.” She jerked on the string, and the bones in the skeleton’s left arm lifted in the air in a half-hearted wave.
Nicholas stepped closer, his feet crunching over the dead grass of her yard. “Why…?”
“It’s for Halloween.”
Nicholas’ brow furrowed. “What’s—”
Jasmine explained the holiday, her annoyance easing as she remembered that Nicholas was one, dead, and two, from another dimension.
“You humans are weird,” he said, but he grabbed a spool of wire and crouched on the other side of the skeleton. He picked up the phalanges, which Jasmine hadn’t bothered with yet since she thought putting them together would be a hassle, and began to tie each of the little bones to the tiny carpal joints.
“Hey, Jasmine,” Nicholas began.
“Yes?”
Nicholas cocked his head, pressing his lips into a flat line. “This is a real skeleton, isn’t it?”
Guilt swirled in her stomach. “It is…”
“This is my skeleton, isn’t it?”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Don’t know if I need to say it but this is based on image 2 of the skeleton.
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October 3, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Love the ending!
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October 3, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Great ending!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:00 am
Whoa, I did not see that coming!
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October 8, 2022 at 5:16 am
What a great ending!
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November 1, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Love the touch of creepiness, which really comes through at the end! Great job!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Halloween- Credit: Sarah Pflug for Burst
FOUR DOGGIE VAMPIRES (91 words)
One plumpy pumpkin
Returned from the store,
Before two stinky monsters
Knocked on the door.
After three silly skeletons
Suddenly dropped in . . .
While four doggie vampires
Played four violins.
Then five flying bats
Flew in for some fun
Just in time to get the job done.
DING DONG
The ghosts and goblins arrived at six.
The guests were all busy practicing their tricks.
Boo!
Though everyone traveled a very long way
Pumpkin finally had to tell them . . .
“You have the wrong day!”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 7:18 pm
This is so cute!! I liked the twist at the end.
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October 4, 2022 at 11:25 am
I love this so much! I think the alliteration and assonance in particular is spectacular but not overwhelming. Good job!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:26 am
What a fun Halloween-themed counting story!
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October 8, 2022 at 5:19 am
A fun concept Halloween book for toddlers, IMO.
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October 17, 2022 at 9:12 am
Maybe the wrong day, but it’s great practice for the RIGHT day. Silver lining! What fun to do it twice. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 4:41 pm
TUB TUSSLE (Image # 2)
By Judy Sobanski
Clean Pete moseyed into Dodge
in search of a bath and some grub.
“I want a steak and a slice of cake
and a three-hour soak in a tub.”
But Pete didn’t count on Dirty Doug
to be wantin’ a soak of his own,
to soothe his left big, dirty toe
with the nail that was deep ingrown.
That thar toe was a achin’ Doug
since he crossed the Rio Grande.
Good thing he had his trusty horse
cause Doug could hardly stand.
Pete marched into the barbershop
the same time Doug limped in.
“I want a bath,” both men said.
“With bubbles— up to my chin.”
The barber sniffed at Pete and Doug
to see who smelled the worst.
“I ain’t got but one small tub.
So, who’s a goin’ first?”
“It’s clear this tub ain’t big enough
for both of us,” said Pete.
That could only mean one thing—
a duel out on the street.
Folks say it twern’t no contest.
Clean quickly outdrew Dirt.
Dirty’s mind was plum streamlined
on how his toenail hurt.
Clean Pete finally took his bath
and finished off his grub.
“I couldn’t let that Dirty Doug
leave a ring around this tub!”
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2022 at 7:21 pm
The VOICE in this story is fabulous. And the details like this–> “to soothe his left big, dirty toe with the nail that was deep ingrown.”–so well done. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 8:28 pm
Thank you, Carrie!
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October 17, 2022 at 9:16 am
This was my favorite part too, although the whole thing was so, so fun! Loved it, Judy. Good job and good luck! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 9:32 pm
This rules! Love it.
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October 3, 2022 at 10:16 pm
Thanks so much, Nicolette!
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October 5, 2022 at 8:22 am
Such great details and voice!
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October 5, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Thank you, Lisa!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:29 am
Fantastic! Love this wild west duel. “This tub ain’t big enough for both of us. ” Hilarious and fun!
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October 5, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Aw, thanks so much, Debbie!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:40 pm
Love the voice and the humour! Lots of great lines, e.g. ‘The barber sniffed at Pete and Doug to see who smelled the worst’!
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October 7, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Thank you, Claire!
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October 19, 2022 at 8:51 am
Love the voice and this line!
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October 8, 2022 at 5:25 am
I can relate to this. “I couldn’t let that Dirty Doug
leave a ring around this tub!” We were three sisters that had our baths on Saturdays in the same tub. We always fought to be the first one to have their bath. The last one in had to scrub the tub. Great voice!
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October 14, 2022 at 2:29 pm
Love your characters!
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October 17, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 3, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Forever Moments
by Heidi McFadzean
200 words
“Are we there yet?” the boy asks his mother as they travel through the day.
“No, my love,” she replies. “The road is long, and we’ve far to go before the end.”
“Oh, Mom, the road looks like forever! We’ll never get to Grandma’s house.”
“Forever is such a wonderful thing!” she says.
“Forever to crunch the autumn leaves.”
“Forever to search for treasure among the tree roots.”
“Forever to meet the furry creatures peeking at us from the branches high above.”
“And forever away from Grandma!” he frowns. “Who will eat her cookies if we take forever?”
“Don’t worry. Grandma’s cookies are magical – they will be fresh whenever we get there. This journey is magical too. It’s a forever journey made up of millions of magical moments.”
“A moment to hold hands.”
“A moment to be a knight on the rocks, defending the castle.”
“A moment to listen to the stories the wind whispers through the leaves.”
With a glint in his eye, the boy joins in. “A moment for me to hide in the giant trees, and forever for you to find me!”
She smiles, “A moment for me to hold you, forever for me to love you.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 4:16 pm
What a sweet (and relatable) parent-child scene packed with beautiful fall imagery!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Love the imagery and sweet ending!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:31 am
This gave me all the mom feels. Beautiful!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Aw, what a beautiful tender moment 🙂
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October 8, 2022 at 10:59 am
I have a grandchild and I loved this. It reminds me of the time I spend with him in the wilderness.
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October 17, 2022 at 9:21 am
This whole scene is poignant and breathtaking. Nice job here! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 3:09 pm
[Posted yesterday morning but it didn’t appear. Sorry if this posts twice]
The Skeleton’s Curse
By Elizabeth Gill
One high noon in the desert, my throat became dry.
My companions and I found a tavern to try.
We were greeted at once with a spine-tingling scene,
A man perched in a tub – and his bones were picked clean.
No one could tell us when we asked them where
The skeleton came from. “He’s always been there.”
“He’s not even real,” said a man in the bar.
Then he grabbed a few coins from the tender’s tip jar.
He tried tossing them into the skeleton’s maw.
Some clinked off the forehead, some plinked off the jaw.
“It’s good luck if you get in the mouth or the eyes.”
But another man cautioned, “That isn’t too wise.”
He spoke of the skeleton’s life in the past,
Of a murder he’d suffered, and a curse that he’d cast:
“All who dare to disturb me while I’m in my bath
Will then suffer the pain of my eternal wrath.”
The looks on my friends’ faces were turning to dread
As we pondered our roles in provoking the dead.
We lit off toward the road knowing nothing is worse
Than a tub-murdered, penny-plinked skeleton’s curse.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 5, 2022 at 9:33 am
The last line is the BEST!
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October 5, 2022 at 2:04 pm
So clever! I love the mystery and the curse all in one story!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:02 am
This reminds me of movies with Indiana Jones. The eternal curse. Oh dear! Good Luck!
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October 17, 2022 at 9:24 am
It doesn’t seem like a good idea to mess with a skeleton if you don’t know its past. Better leave it alone! Well done! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 3:04 pm
You Stew by Kris DeCaro (a tribute to Shel Silverstein and a reply to his poem Me Stew)
Stomachs were grumbling and rumbling
They all needed something to chew
And so you offered kindly
To be served up for our crew.
I tried to switch to tacos
And said spaghetti was the best
But everyone agreed
that you smelled better than all the rest.
And so we all were satisfied
Having had something to munch
Though I’m worried now it’s almost noon…
Who will be for lunch?
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Love the rhyme and the ending!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:22 pm
LOL. Oh, this made me giggle.
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October 3, 2022 at 9:48 pm
Cute, clever, and a fun read!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:36 am
Who indeed! Very cute with just a dash of creepy.
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October 17, 2022 at 9:27 am
I love, love, love this! Hopefully they have enough leftover for lunch and don’t need another sacrifice so soon. Haha! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 3:03 pm
The Pumpkin Carver
Come pumkids, gather around the campfire.
“Are we making s’mores?”
“No, Ralf, it’s story time… Long ago, there was a carpenter scarecrow who lived in these woods. He carved terrific things made of wood but was terrible at being scary. He was so bad that he couldn’t even scare a baby carrot. But one day, he started carving other things.”
“Things like what?”
“Like Pumpkins, little Sue….”
“What! That’s unpumpkin believable!”
“You bet your top-heavy head it is. At first, the scarecrow wasn’t very good, but he practiced… a lot. And eventually, his collection grew so much that he made a secret cabin in these very woods.”
“Wait, how is the cabin a secret if pumpkins know where it’s at?”
“Obviously, at least one got away… As I was saying, it’s been a while since he has been seen, and his STILL secret cabin has never been found. Some even say his ghost still adds to his gruesome collection, but no one knows for sure. Just the same, we never say his name, The Pumpkin Carver! Or the next pumpkin he adds to his collection… will… be… yours….”
“Aaaaaaahhhhh!”
“Now, who wants a s’more?”
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Cute story.
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October 3, 2022 at 9:47 pm
Adorable with a side of spooky!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:40 am
Love this fun take on a spooky campfire story!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:08 am
I don’t want s’mores, thank you! I wonder why our tutors at summer camp always narrated scary stories? Good luck with this!
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October 17, 2022 at 1:03 pm
I love the idea of pumpkins telling ghost stories around a campfire and eating smores. Good one! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Lydia wasn’t kidding when she said WordPress comments could be finicky – I have tried to like and reply to posts and it’s just not letting me. I am not here to whine, simply want to let people know I am reading and enjoying the entries and would comment/like if I could!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:38 am
I had the same problem (and wanted to let writers know I enjoyed their entries). I’m not sure about this, but I found if I logged in to WordPress BEFORE my comment, it worked for the entries in the comment section anyway. I had the most difficulty trying to comment on writer’s blogs.
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October 3, 2022 at 2:18 pm
A Stack of Jacks
By Russell Wolff
Jacks sat stacked some seven shelves high,
crowded together, wondering why.
“Um, some room please?”
“Careful there!”
“Hey, watch it, my bro!”
“Gonna sneeze—”
“Don’t you dare!”
“You’ll put out my glow!”
Shimmying for space under a broken streetlight,
it seemed they were in for a long cranky night.
“Someone read us a story.”
“Great idea!”
“Yeah, I’m bored.”
“And make it real gory!”
“Like zombie tortillas!”
“Oh, put a lid on it, you gourd!”
“Oh yeah? Come and make me!”
“OOH, so tough!”
“Pumpkin, please.”
“Your mother’s a zucchini!”
“That’s enough!”
“Yeah, well…go play in a breeze!”
Each snub, gibe, and jeer brewed more troubles and dangers
when ‘round the alley staggered up three monstrous strangers.
Who were these ghastly (if shortish) dread merchants of death?
The jacks held their breath.
They kept silent and breathless, frozen to their core.
But that sneeze long held in couldn’t be held anymore.
(And out blew snotty innards galore.)
AAAAAHPLEWWWW!!!
Have ghouls ever run faster, ever come as unstitched?
Now the jacks came together, so excited they twitched.
“Let’s do this. You ready?”
Piercing eyes
Like icepicks
“Here they come, everyone steady.”
No treats from these guys
Just tricks.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Hilarious and fun!
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October 4, 2022 at 11:36 am
Thanks!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:43 am
Such funny dialogue between the pumpkins!
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October 6, 2022 at 10:56 am
Thank you!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:12 am
But that sneeze long held in couldn’t be held anymore.
(And out blew snotty innards galore.)
AAAAAHPLEWWWW!!! Awesome, funny and gross, but kids will love it.
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October 12, 2022 at 10:18 pm
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 17, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Snotty, FLAMING innards, if they really try! Hooray what fun your entry is! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 20, 2022 at 11:23 am
Thanks!
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October 3, 2022 at 2:01 pm
If You Give Your Brain An Apple
(board book)
By Janelle Higdon
If you give your brain an apple,
It will start up like a car.
If you give your brain an apple,
You can go very far.
As the engine spins, the smarts will start.
And the beat will grow inside your heart.
If you give your brain an apple,
You may even start to count.
If you give your brain an apple,
You’ll name your colors without a doubt!
If you give your brain an apple,
Your brain will pass the message on.
If you give your brain an apple,
Your whole body will be strong.
It will fight those germs you touched today,
And send the sickness on its way.
If you give a brain an apple,
It will tell your tummy what to do.
And when your tummy’s done with food…
Well, the apple will help that too.
If you give your brain an apple,
It will really feel its best.
And when the apple has done its job.
Your brain will have a rest.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:42 pm
This is adorable!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:45 am
Such a cute expansion on “an apple a day.” I can just hear kids making up more “if you give your brain an apple…” endings.
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October 8, 2022 at 11:14 am
Yes, indeed. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
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October 17, 2022 at 1:16 pm
An apple goes full circle! Great job for curious little ones. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 1:47 pm
ONCE WERE GREEN
by Marianna Sacra
(200 w)
Do you remember when life began? You held on to me, and I to you, the greenest leaf around.
“You’re everything,” I said. Oh how green I was!
On days that felt forever, I soaked up the sun and gobbled down the rain, catching up to my leafy peers. We shook off our morning dew and waltzed with the wind to the bluebirds’ squeaky ballads.
“Will we always be?” I asked.
“Time is but a whisper,” you said.
As the days grew endless, we lived all of life. Sun and rain hugged and made rainbows. Creatures large and little crawled by for hellos. Happiness hopped by at every turn.
By the time my green faded, I knew.
I knew it from squirrels who zoomed by with cheeks full of treasure. I knew it from thirsty butterflies flippity-flapping their final flaps. I knew it from you.
“It’s time,” I said, holding on tighter than ever.
One by one, everyone had rained, hailed, flown off into the unknown.
Yet you still tugged me tightly and I you, the reddest leaf around.
The snowflakes made us kiss, and you whispered, “It’s time,” as we twirled into two. For your leaf to feed you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 1:52 pm
The ending is so beautiful! And I loved your descriptions of the animal, especailly the bluebirds’ squeaky ballads.
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October 3, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Cinzia 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 9:40 pm
Beautiful and sweet! Great imagery!
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October 18, 2022 at 1:56 pm
How kind of you to say! Thank you ❤
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October 5, 2022 at 9:48 am
This is so sweet and beautiful. I love the line “waltzed with the wind.”
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October 18, 2022 at 1:57 pm
It’s hard not to dance with the wind 🙂
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October 8, 2022 at 11:23 am
For your leaf to feed you? I wonder if you meant that the leaves will contribute extra organic matter, improving the soil’s structure. Beautiful story about deciduous trees.
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October 18, 2022 at 1:59 pm
That’s precisely what I meant. I’m glad to know it wasn’t all too abstract 🙂
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October 8, 2022 at 4:21 pm
love this – such beautiful lyricism.
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October 17, 2022 at 1:20 pm
I love the alliteration of “creatures large and little…” Such nice language choices. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 18, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Thank you for your lovely comment! I found you on Twitter 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Halloween Handiwork
In Farmer Jon’s field a murder of crows
eyes golden orbs lying askew.
Rising out of the remains,
a tower of pumpkins.
The crows set to work—
heads bob as they peck.
One carves the eyes,
another the nose.
Two carve the upturn of the smile.
They land on the field,
chests puffed out,
cawing congratulations.
Susan Twiggs
Inspired by the photo #1 Halloween by Samantha Hurley
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:37 pm
This is great! Love the group effort!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:50 am
Pumpkin carving crows cawing congratulations. Love it!
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October 17, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Well, of course crows are crowing about their work. Haha! Good job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Love all the beautiful fall imagery! Also the cozy roaring fire scene! Great fall story!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:35 am
A Crisp Autumn Ride
By Debbie Sanders
Image 13 (Fall by John Mccann)
Marigold plodded the wooded path with a steady rhythm. Clip. Crunch. Clop. Crunch.
Red and gold leaves carpeted the ground and the trees above seemed to reach high across the path just to shake hands like old friends. Birds flew in and out of the golden light filtering through the trees, whispering their morning calls.
I loved the damp fall smells– leaves, moss, and forest. The crisp air tingled in my chest. I breathed out, watching steamy clouds drift away. Marigold’s breaths clouded the cold air as well, her head nodding in pace.
Pulling my jacket tighter, I patted Marigold. The chill was creeping in. The big potbelly stove in the log schoolhouse would soon change that. Mr. Stanton made sure the fire was roaring before his students came.
I liked my lessons, but my favorite part of school happened after we finished our work. Mr. Stanton would sit by that stove and read to us. Stories of adventure and courage, faraway places and times. A big wide world I didn’t know.
But, I don’t think if there could be a finer fall day anywhere than right here on my mountain.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 5, 2022 at 9:54 am
I can see the fall day, the child riding the horse to school, the warmth of that stove, and the STORIES. Nice!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:33 am
I love the setting. Especially, ‘Red and gold leaves carpeted the ground and the trees above seemed to reach high across the path just to shake hands like old friends.’ Absolutely lovely!
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October 17, 2022 at 1:29 pm
What a beautiful vignette you created. Good luck, Debbie! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 11:01 am
Oh yuck! Meant in an entirely good way. Great Halloween horror!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:00 am
The Path of the Fall Fairies
By Julianna Helt
“Grandpa look!” I point to our favorite walking path.
“Ah, yes, the fairies were here.”
“The fairies?” I look up at Grandpa.
His eyes grow big as he tells me their story.
The Fall Fairies. One red. One orange. One yellow.
They visit once a year when there is a prickle in the air.
“You feel it right?” Grandpa looks down at me.
I nod my head. My scarf tight around my neck.
My big eyes meet his.
He continues the tale of the fairies.
Their magic paints the leaves.
Red. Orange. Yellow.
If you’re quiet, you can hear their laughter.
A crinkle crackle sound that echoes
Through the forest and down the path.
A breeze shakes through the trees.
“Look, the fairies are dancing!” Grandpa says.
I look up to see leaves break free of the trees
And dance to the ground,
Painting everything in fall colors.
Red. Orange. Yellow.
“Wow,” I breathed.
I hold tight to Grandpa’s hand.
He squeezes my hand.
We continue down the path of the fall fairies.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Sweet and adorable story!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Love the use of repetition and, of course, fairies!
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October 5, 2022 at 9:57 am
Lovely tone to this! Magical!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:36 am
Grandparents have a great imagination, and their grandchildren learn so much from them. I loved this! “Look, the fairies are dancing!” Grandpa says.
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October 17, 2022 at 1:32 pm
A touch of fall magic and family folklore. Fantastic! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 11:00 am
THE VISITOR
By Heather Smith Meloche
I’m empty. Weston dumped me while I’m studying abroad. No friends in Guadalajara, with barely functioning email, sketchy cell reception, and I’m lost. Hollow. Hurt.
In darkness, I wander campus. I’m used to raucous students rushing by, but tonight, only shadowed people whisper. Tonight, the dead return.
In the heart of campus, candlelight beats, lighting visitors’ faces as they pass colorful altars. Día de Muertos, I’ve read, is a celebration of departed loved ones. Orange blooms, candles, and dyed sawdust create elaborate paths to risers decorated in cut paper, salt piles, and trayed fruit, bread, seeds, and drinks – meals for those returning. Photos of the deceased sit in a show of love.
I stop before an altar. A clay skull, crude and crooked, gawks at me, and I consider absence. How quickly it’s filled. How Weston already has another girl. How my parents are busy. How I might not be remembered like the people in these photos.
A girl steps close, half her face painted like a skull. She shakes her head, a response to my thoughts, then walks away. Confused, I step to the next altar, and she’s there. The girl stares back at me, her photo proudly displayed.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Love the line, … I consider absence. How quickly it’s filled. Love the ending!
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October 3, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Wonderfully creepy mood.
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October 5, 2022 at 9:59 am
Love the mood of this piece.
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October 8, 2022 at 11:39 am
OMG! She’s dead. The girl stares back at me, her photo proudly displayed.
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October 18, 2022 at 8:44 am
Oh the angst of young love and the DRAMA! Good work getting your character’s voice to shine through. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 10:43 am
Spiderwebs
by Lynn Greenway
Spinning,
Spiraling,
Serpentine.
The newly made web
arcs from limb to leaf.
[While all spiders can make silk, most spiders that make webs are female, and they can be particular about their location.]
Glistening,
Glimmering,
Gossamer.
The dew-drenched web
catches the morning light.
[Scientists have discovered that sunlight can make some spiderwebs stronger and stickier.]
Quietly
Quivering,
Quaking.
The fine-tuned web
thrums with vibrations.
[Although spiders don’t have ears, they can “hear” by feeling the vibrations that sound makes in their web.]
Strained,
Stressed,
Stretched.
The web
snags the spider’s supper.
Then snaps!
[Each single strand of spider silk is made of thousands of tiny nano strands, which for its size, make it stronger than steel.]
Twisted,
Tremulous,
Torn.
The broken web
dangles from the trees.
[Spiders can dismantle damaged webs and often will eat them, recycling them into new silk.]
Dusty,
Decrepit,
Deteriorating.
The abandoned web
gathers dirt and decay.
[The same stickiness that captures prey also collects dust and pollen, making the web dirty and unusable after a time.]
Repulsive,
Revolting,
Rotten.
The ruined web
snares one last catch…
yuck, right in your hair!
Want to learn more about spider webs? Here are a few places to start:
https://schoolofbugs.com/do-male-spiders-spin-webs/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20But%20their%20lifestyle%20isn,Every%20species%20is%20different.
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/70617/strength-spider-web-glue-affected-uv-light
https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/the-secret-behind-the-creation-of-cobwebs.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/ask-smithsonian-how-do-spiders-make-webs-180957426/
https://www.snexplores.org/article/orb-weaving-spiders-use-their-webs-like-external-eardrums
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/spiders-get-information-vibrations-their-webs-180951677/#:~:text=Like%20a%20violin%20string%2C%20each,that%20needs%20to%20be%20repaired.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 10:45 am
Whoops, I forgot to include my image! It was #13, of the forest.
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October 5, 2022 at 10:01 am
I love all the alliterative words and the fun facts sprinkled throughout. Nice job!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:42 am
I see you’ve done quite a bit of research on spiders. Well done! I love creepy critters.
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October 18, 2022 at 8:49 am
This is smart, educational and well-written, all in one package. Fabulous! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 10:08 am
House of 1000 Carved Pumpkins
By
Searra Simpson
Baby Pumpkin stretched her tiny tendrils,
as she rested with the others on the damp autumn earth.
“Is this all there is?” Baby asked.
“I wish!” said another.
“What do you mean?” said Baby.
“Sooner or later, they’ll come for you,” the pumpkins warned.
Baby quivered.
“You might get baked into a pie!”
“You might get your innards roasted as a snack!”
“Or, worse, you might get your face carved out and lit up for all to see!”
“Not me!” said Baby. “I won’t let them.”
She ripped off the vine and rolled far away,
until she came upon a quiet cottage.
The sun was setting and darkness would soon surround her.
She had to hide.
She snuck into the sunroom.
It was hard to see, but she felt sure she was the only living thing around.
She breathed a sigh of relief.
Then FLICK!
A flame broke through the blackness.
Each new FLICK set a hollow pumpkin’s jagged face ablaze,
until the room was filled.
Baby gasped and trembled.
“What’s this?” said a voice as they scooped her up and inspected her.
“Oh, you’ll make a perfect addition to my… House… of 1000… Carved Pumpkins…”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 11:25 am
Aiee! So creepy!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Great job! You made me feel worried for baby pumpkin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Great spooky story!
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October 3, 2022 at 3:18 pm
Love it, Searra. Spooky and fun.
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October 4, 2022 at 11:30 am
Poor Baby Pumpkin… she tried! lol Love it!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:33 am
Good twist at the end! It’s like Hansel and Gretel meets the Adams Family. 🙂
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October 8, 2022 at 11:45 am
Poor baby pumpkin!
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October 12, 2022 at 5:34 pm
Ohh…creepy.
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October 18, 2022 at 8:52 am
Awww, man! I though baby was going to make it. I should have known. LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 10:08 am
The Headless Horseman’s House
Sandra Martin
All year long, Headless carves and waits.
Pumpkin after pumpkin. He carves scary faces, mean faces, and haunting grins. He lines them up on racks at his house on top of the hill.
At night, Headless waits patiently until the October moon rises above Sleepy Hollow and the town comes alive with raucous taverns and autumn festivities.
Headless stands by his horse, picks a pumpkin, and tucks it under his arm.
A man tumbles out of a tavern and starts his trip home through the dark, misty woods.
Headless mounts and steers his horse down the hill.
Thundering hooves alert the man. He turns and shrieks at the sight of the headless rider. He stumbles and trips as he runs through the trees. He rips his coat, he scrapes his knees, and he tumbles into the river. “Help me!” he screams in fear.
Headless sighs and pushes his horse in pursuit.
Finally, his victim, broken and tired, turns and pleads, “Please, I beg of you, don’t hurt me!”
Headless rears back on his horse.
His victim crouches and cowers.
Headless reaches down and ………………hands the man the pumpkin. “Happy Halloween. Get home safely now.”
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 11:25 am
Ha! Love this twist ending on a classic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Great twist! Nice!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:40 am
Nice! I love Headless’s sigh which is a tiny hint. And then the last line is the killer. 😉
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October 8, 2022 at 11:47 am
Thank goodness, a happy ending.
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October 18, 2022 at 8:59 am
I mean, it must be so HARD to just DO YOUR JOB when people judge you for your looks right off the bat. Gosh people…let the dude give you a pumpkin. Fun story! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 9:56 am
A Sinister Smile
By Ryann Jones
What a blast! Amira thought
while squeezing her cheeks for relief from laughing so hard.
She plopped down onto her bed
and began scrolling through pictures.
Ha! Ben’s marshmallow is burnt to a–
wait…
…what is that?
A glowing face
seethed in the shadows.
She blinked hard,
but the ghostly grin remained.
Weird…
Amira shivered, but continued onto the next image.
All five friends smiled at her reassuringly.
But there was a sixth figure–
Its blood-red hood
and haunting amber eyes
made her heart race.
Who is that?
Amira returned to the first photo.
She jolted upright.
The face was still there…
…but closer!
Is this some kind of sick joke?
Palms sweating, she checked another photo.
And another.
No.
No.
NO!
The smoldering face plagued every picture–
growing closer
and closer!
Its depraved eyes bore into her soul
and sent chills up her spine.
Amira gasped as she opened the last photo.
She could almost feel the warmth seeping into her.
It was
so
close!
Fighting for air, she fumbled to turn off her phone.
The heat remained,
yet her blood ran cold.
There–
reflecting from the black screen,
scorching her neck–
was the
Same.
Sinister.
Smile.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:26 pm
I love the way the tension build! Great story!
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October 3, 2022 at 3:41 pm
Great use of structure & line breaks!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:26 pm
Ooh, this gives me the shivers. Good work, Ryann.
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October 4, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Excellent tension and creepiness! I’m nervous to look at the black screen of my phone now 😉 Haha
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October 6, 2022 at 9:43 am
Great tension building!
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October 7, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Great suspense! Great alliteration at the story’s end. I can see the image on my phone’s dark screen.
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October 8, 2022 at 11:57 am
I won’t sleep tonight. I’ll probably hide my cell phone too! This reminds me of Scary Movie 3, the TV’s leaking!
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October 12, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Scary. Good work.
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October 18, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Wait! What happened to her friends?? Need. More. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 18, 2022 at 2:03 pm
How exciting! I love all the tension!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:39 am
JUBILEE STARS ON HALLOWEEN
By Jacqui Boulter
(inspired by Image 6- Halloween)
Why did she make me a bat cape for Halloween?
It must be because my hearing is so keen.
I hear her when she sleeps, wakes up, brushes her teeth.
I hear her steps on the floor,
I hear her open the door.
I bound around with every sound,
My paws barely even touch the ground.
I guess the cape is an added touch,
Because I already move like a bat, pretty much.
Jubilee Stars will fly on Halloween.
I hope I don’t make you scream!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Adorable!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Aww, this is adorable! Love it so much!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:27 pm
Too stinking cute! I can so easily see this adorable pup with their cape in my mind’s eye.
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October 5, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Thank you!
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October 6, 2022 at 9:44 am
So cute! I love this little dog personality.
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October 8, 2022 at 11:58 am
I love the dogs POV!
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October 8, 2022 at 10:59 pm
So cute!
( I selected the same prompt!) 🙂
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October 18, 2022 at 1:29 pm
“Because I already move like a bat, pretty much!” Too funny! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 9:33 am
The One Where the ATV Dies on a Dirt Road
By Karla Treinen
(inspired by picture 1)
Cornstalks rattle a warning in the moonlight.
Girl tugs a hat over her ears.
Engine clicks as she turns the key.
Boy jams his phone back in his pocket.
“No signal.“
He pulls his team jacket tighter.
“Wasn’t there a farm place?”
She shrugs. “A long ways back.”
“We could ask that scarecrow.”
“Right, genius. What’s in the fog?”
“Farmer, maybe.”
“Weird smile.Should we ask for help?”
“Guess there’s no harm trying.”
Later, two cops on patrol
Roll up to an abandoned ATV.
One kills the engine and rolls down a window.
Corn stalks rattle a warning in the moonlight.
“Looks like nobody’s around.”
“Unless you count the three scarecrows.”
“Right, genius. Interrogate the one with the jacket.”
“What’s that coming out of the fog?”
“Must be the farmer. Odd smile on his face.”
She motions to the radio. “Call for back-up?”
“Nah. Maybe he saw something.”
They step out of the squad car.
“Guess there’s no harm trying.”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 11:14 am
So subtle and spooky! Love it!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:27 am
Ooh, so spooky! And great title!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Great spooky story!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:10 am
Oooh, this is a spine tingler! Well done!
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October 7, 2022 at 3:23 pm
“Corn stalks rattle a warning in the moonlight.” What a great line! Increases suspense and the reader definitely knows what’s coming.
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October 12, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Eerie.
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October 18, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Oooooh, so good! Nice work here! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 8:30 am
Gravelotte the Ghost Goes Trick or Treating
Inspired by Image 2
As I left the graveyard, kids shouted, “Trick or treat!”
I liked tricks and treats. So I walked with them a while.
“Trick or treat!” I said too.
No one gave me candy. I thought that was rude.
They walked to the next house. We shouted, “Trick or treat!”
Maybe they said it louder than me.
I could’ve been getting the whole thing wrong—after all, I’d never done this before. Maybe I was supposed to trick them!
But when I got in their face, they didn’t blink. When I scared them, they didn’t scream.
I probably had to bring them treats!
Didn’t work.
After an hour I realized I was invisible.
I walked home empty-handed—but had one final idea.
I told everyone at home about what I saw and showed them too.
Soon, ghosts floated grave to grave, hands outstretched. Skeletons sat up straight and pushed the baubles off their bony fingers.
I stopped at Mr. McFarlane’s resting place first.
“Trick or treat!”
When he saw me, he smiled his toothless grin and gave me his gold watch.
I should’ve started here. Real gold was way better than chocolate coins.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:12 am
Danielle, what a great twist at the end. Trick or treating in the graveyard. Well done!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:21 pm
Cute and clever! I love the ending!
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October 8, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Original, well done!
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October 18, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Very clever story. Trick or treating WOULD be better if they gave you gold. Totally agree! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 7:44 am
HI #FallWritingFrenzy friends!! I’m posting this entry on behalf of Susan Burdof, as she was having trouble. Please comment here!!
RIDDLE ON THE ROAD
Don’t walk alone on Widow’s Road when the moon’s full,
unless you want to tempt the ghost of Alice Crandall.
Don’t talk to strangers who ask you the way home,
because you may not make the journey alone.
Don’t hurry past the tall oak tree
with its heavy burden of leaves.
Do not stop walking if you hear the voice
ignore her, or she’ll offer you a choice.
To find your way home again
You will need to play her game.
One riddle you must answer
If wrong your life you owe her.
“What part of the road do ghosts like the best?”
Think before you speak, for this is a test.
Wrinkle the brow, ponder the twists and bends
Breathing deep you shout loudly – “the dead end!”
The voice rustles like leaves on a grave
“You win this night. Your freedom you save.”
Then silence. An owl hoots to hurry your steps
Away from the voice, away from the tests.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:15 am
Spooky, Susan! With a funny ghost joke in the middle. 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 1:51 pm
I love the riddle! Very creative
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October 3, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Great scary story! Cute riddle!
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October 5, 2022 at 4:38 pm
A litany of serious admonitions leading up to the perfect comic relief…loved it, Susan!
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October 18, 2022 at 1:39 pm
The whole road is a big NOPE from me. I’m not answering a riddle, my fingers would be in my ears and I would be singing a loud LALALALA! all the way home. Good job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 6:24 am
Nipper and Duck by Caroline Mundy
Duck was Nipper’s favourite toy.
They did everything together.
Chasing autumn leaves.
Snoozing in front of the fire.
But best of all…
Playing catch with their boy. [human child]
CHOMP, CHOMP!!
WOOF, WOOF!
SQUEEEEEEAAAAAAKKK!
Until one day…
‘RIIIIIIP!
‘Duck!’ howled Nipper.
[Duck has a rip.]
Nipper tried chasing leaves with Duck,
but stuffing got stuck in his teeth
and Duck’s squeak sounded sad.
He tried snoozing with Duck,
but the fuzzy stuffing tickled his nose
and made him sneeze.
Nipper worried that playing catch
could hurt Duck even more
because Duck was broken
and so was Nipper’s heart.
Nipper left Duck alone to get better
And tried chasing leaves with a stick.
But it wasn’t as much fun.
He tried playing catch with his ball.
CHOMP, CHOMP!
WOOF, WOOF!
But his ball didn’t squeak.
He tried snoozing with his boy.
But he couldn’t sleep without Duck. [Howls]
[Boy discovers Duck is broken]
In the morning, Nipper didn’t want to chase autumn leaves
or snooze in front of the fire.
And he definitely didn’t want to play catch.
Until…
Nipper: ‘Duck!’
[Boy has mended Duck]
CHOMP, CHOMP!
WOOF, WOOF!
SQUEEEEEEAAAAAAKKK!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:16 am
I love a happy ending!
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October 4, 2022 at 5:42 am
Thanks for your kind words, Debbie. x
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October 3, 2022 at 1:55 pm
Adorable and sweet with the perfect ending!
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October 4, 2022 at 5:44 am
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Jill. x
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October 8, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Aww, sweet ending.
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October 10, 2022 at 6:15 am
Thanks, @eleanorannpeterson
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October 18, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Hi Nipper! I like ducks too and would be sad if my duck was broken. So glad your Duck is mended. Love this sweet story. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 18, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Thanks @mowrex. That’s very kind. x
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October 3, 2022 at 4:15 am
Messy Beauty
Adrian K. Rose (in response to Picture 13 – the road lined with fall trees)
Step through.
You know you want to.
Let fear vanish
between the space of
seasons
gone before
and those to come.
One path.
Forward.
Maybe a few turns
to the side.
Or behind.
No matter.
The street remains.
Rising amidst the morning’s haze
Inside your mind.
Messy beauty.
Those ideas you hold.
Let them take you
to a place
you never imagined
you might be.
Step through.
You know you want to.
The road seems long.
Sometimes wrong.
But a desire nags.
It invades.
Sparking the space between
the morning’s commute
and the nighttime’s truth.
A yearning to
build a homebound highway
to a place that sees your messy beauty.
Like the space between Spring’s chance
and Winter’s rejection,
where colours blaze
undiluted.
Step through.
You know you want to.
The trees are lined
with changing seasons.
This season is yours.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:20 am
Such great lines. “Sparking the space between the morning’s commute and the nighttime’s truth.” “Like the space between Spring’s chance and Winter’s rejection, where colours blaze undiluted.” Lovely!
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October 3, 2022 at 8:01 pm
Thank you Debbie – for taking the time to read, connect and for lovely comment. I’ll look for your on Twitter 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 1:53 pm
I love this beautiful invitation! Nice!
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October 3, 2022 at 8:02 pm
Thank you Jill! I am glad you enjoyed it. I’ll take a look to see if we can connect on Twitter. Trying to build my writing community. Take care!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Great idea, Adrian. Have a wonderful day!
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October 18, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Messy beauty. Those ideas you hold. Love this! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 3, 2022 at 2:25 am
The Legend of Dirty Duane
By Melissa Chupp
‘Twas an early fall morn
In the desert forlorn,
Not a cloud had been spotted for days.
Duane stood on his porch
And he squinted straight North,
“By golly! The makings of haze!”
A cloud had begun
To take shape ‘neath the sun.
Duane hurried to fetch his old tub.
“I’ll take a cool bath
In this dry cactus patch,
And give my poor body a scrub!”
Duane had regretted
His aroma quite fetid,
For he hadn’t a bath in weeks.
The growth of the cloud
And the thunder so loud
Brought a smile to his dust-covered cheeks.
But a drop on his nose
And a drip ‘tween his toes
Distracted our dear brother, Duane.
The cloud rumbled and roared,
As the rain, it downpoured,
Yet he never obstructed the drain!
His chance for a splash
Disappeared in a flash,
He was heartbroken, day after day.
“I’ll never smell fresh
In this stinking old flesh.
I fear I’m about to decay!”
Now on Halloween night,
If it thunders with might,
You are certain to hear his deep moans.
Duane appears in his tub
Still waiting to scrub,
Though he’s withered away to just bones.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:22 am
Poor Dirty Duane! Love the rhythm and rhyme.
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October 3, 2022 at 11:55 am
I LOVE you did this to Home on the Range. Couldn’t help but sing it as I read. So fun
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October 3, 2022 at 12:04 pm
That is so funny, cuz I didn’t actually do it to the song, but it works! 😂
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October 3, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Cute and a lot of fun! Nice!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:06 am
THE LEGEND OF DIRTY DUANE – I love that title:-)
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October 8, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Great ending. Poor Duane waiting for rain.
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October 18, 2022 at 8:16 pm
This was so fun! I was certain he was going to get struck by lightening and that’s how he was going to meet his demise. Good work on the twist ending (for me, at least!) @mowrex (Twitter)
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November 1, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Very cute, leading up to – he’d withered away to just bones! Enjoyed reading this, and how you were inspired by the picture (I selected this picture also), hard to resist writing about a skeleton in the bathtub! Great job!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:26 am
Autumn leaves
by Jill Burns
(Inspired by Image 13-Fall)
Mother Earth’s words swept in on a crisp chilly wind.
“It’s time, my loves. Are you ready?”
We nod.
Our mothers stand together, gallant and graceful.
Each trunk clothed in swirls of emerald velvet.
Their gnarly branches hold us close to their hearts.
One last time.
With uncertainty, we cling,
Afraid to let go of the shelter that kept us cozy
Through spring, summer, and fall.
Dressed in our dazzling gowns of gold, orange, yellow, and paprika, we hold on
A little longer,
Until our mothers’ colorful crowns burst and blaze like an autumn sunset.
Hearts flutter in anticipation.
When our turn comes, we wave farewell and fly high.
Whirling and twirling we dance and giggle with the breeze.
Downward we float.
Earth welcomes us with open arms and holds us tight.
A lush layered carpet of autumn perfection.
The harvest of seasons past.
Together we rest our abundant heads and prepare for slumber
As we become one with our world.
LikeLiked by 10 people
October 3, 2022 at 1:40 am
Lovely imagery!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:55 am
Thank you so much, Deborah!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:24 am
Beautiful!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:55 am
Thank you so much, Debbie!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:11 pm
So beautiful! I love the imagery of the dazzling gowns 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:41 pm
My story does not show up on the spreadsheet. I tried submitting again, but still don’t see it there. I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong.
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October 3, 2022 at 3:54 pm
THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LAST STREET
It was the last street. The wind had picked up, A sign hanging over a store front creaked. Clustering together the kids giggled nervously. A clock struck eight. OWWwwww! Howled the wind. A bat ducked low and flew right over their heads. They stifled a shriek. One of the children darted to the right and banged up a set of steps. He hammered on the door. It swung open and a silent figure in a long black dress flowed out onto the stoop. It dropped a candy bar into each bag, then slid silently away. Up and down the street they went. Every house the same. Then it was the last house. This time when they hammered on the door, it creaked open. No one was there. On a table stood a stack of pop cans. A sign said Take One. Each child grabbed a tin. Suddenly the door slammed shut. The hands of a huge clock on the wall spun pointing to 12 midnight. Bong! It rang out. Their screams filling the air they flung the door open and raced out into the night. They could hear the sound of laughter chasing them down the street to home.
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October 7, 2022 at 10:18 am
Oooh, scary. But the kids got away. Whew!
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October 10, 2022 at 1:19 pm
It was a prank maybe not?
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October 4, 2022 at 12:58 am
Ooh, gorgeous imagery! Nice work!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Thank you so much, Aimee!
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October 4, 2022 at 6:56 am
What a lovely lyrical piece.
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October 4, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:48 pm
Gorgeous imagery throughout! I love the lines ‘each trunk clothed in swirls of emerald velvet’ and ‘with uncertainty, we cling’, and the sense of peace and resolution at the end.
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October 7, 2022 at 9:08 am
Thank you so much for your kind words, Claire.
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October 7, 2022 at 3:45 pm
I love the imagery of Mother trees letting go of their treasured children.
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October 8, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Thank you so much, Diane!
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October 8, 2022 at 1:29 am
JILL: The world you created is SO BREATHTAKINGLY GORGEOUS! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL way to describe Autumn. I especially LOVE how you described one of the “dazzling gowns” as “paprika”! THANK YOU for inviting us into this fantastical world. I didn’t want to leave it.
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October 8, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Natalie!
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October 8, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Earth welcomes us with open arms and holds us tight. As we become one with our world. It would make an excellent informational picture book.
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October 8, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Thank you so much, Eleanor! That’s a wonderful idea!
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October 12, 2022 at 5:27 pm
This is lovely!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:47 pm
Thank you so much, Karyn!
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October 18, 2022 at 8:21 pm
Pretty, pretty poetry in motion all the way…down. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 18, 2022 at 9:56 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words!
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November 1, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Lovely words and imagery! And wonderful subject matter, we love trees, and changing leaves with the season, you captured it perfectly!
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November 1, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Katie!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Hungry
By Aimee Lauren
Inspired by image 1 – Halloween.
What a delicious day. Clouds gathered like a clump of bruises. Silence sat as heavily as a lowered shroud. The ground withered, battered by the heat and the juicy dead, but the juiciest oversaw them all.
Warm. Shiny. Full-bellied. Twig-like limbs, easy to snap. A mouth made to devour.
The pumpkin monster snatched the crows from the air and ate them whole.
A delicious day, indeed.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:25 am
Yikes! Super creepy images. Well done!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:23 pm
Thank you!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Love the spooky imagery! Great Halloween story!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:23 pm
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 1:49 pm
Wow – creepy! Nice.
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October 3, 2022 at 6:24 pm
Thanks!
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October 10, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Creepy, I won’t ever walk into a pumpkin patch at night.
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October 21, 2022 at 11:38 pm
Haha, me neither!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 18, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Kids won’t want to go to THAT pumpkin patch! Haha! Creeptastic! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 21, 2022 at 11:39 pm
Definitely not! Haha, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 9:52 pm
Lydia, I am having trouble getting my Fall Frenzy entry to post in the Comments. I filled out my form and submitted it on Oct. 1 around 2-3 p.m. but forgot to post the entry in the comments until this afternoon. I’ve tried pasting and posting twice now several hours apart. On the entry spreadsheet I can find my name so I know the entry form went through.
Can you tell me how to get this to work? So sorry to trouble you.
Many thanks! Debbie Sanders Entry: A Crisp Autumn Ride Image #13
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October 2, 2022 at 10:33 pm
I had trouble with this also Debbie. Word Press sent me an e-mail saying they wouldn’t allow me to post in the comments?? I don’t see my story Lethal Lemons in there. So, I’m not sure how to proceed.
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October 2, 2022 at 9:06 pm
California’s Fall
By Laura Bost
A curling danger bends the cracked stalks of California’s fall.
A yellow whisper.
I pray for rain.
Oh, may that be rain!
I first met Fire as I burst from the prize booth at my fifth grade harvest carnival. Drenched in sunshine, lucky winner! Two cakewalk cakes lifted high. Cakes! (Two!) Then, a choking breeze and unexpected shade. Three bulging smoke fingers clawed the dazzling blue. Waving.
Hello, Fire.
That night Fire danced snaggletoothed and orange down the hill behind my house. A grinning wall of Jack o’ lanterns collapsing. A disaster of hungry mouths moaning with wind.
Fire cakewalked house to house.
“It won’t get here,” Mom promised.
But…
Fire claimed Collin’s house.
It gathered up Joe’s place across the street.
Then, just as Fire’s foot shuffled onto our garden path, the windsong died.
Fire gaped. Embarrassed, clutching its smoldering prizes.
Fire tipped its ashy hat, winked once, and sauntered into still darkness.
Gone.
Night silent.
Lucky winner.
I don’t remember what happened to my cakes. I hope I ate them.
Every fall a curling whisper nods the yellow grass of California.
What hand bends the stalks?
We pray: May that be rain.
Oh! May it be rain!
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:30 am
Wow. Laura! This is well-written and terrifying. “Fire cakewalked house to house…” “Fire gaped. Embarrassed, clutching its smoldering prizes.” Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 5, 2022 at 11:31 am
Thanks so much. I admit, I do find nights in fall get my hackles up…especially when the Santa Ana winds blow in. I’m glad it resonated with you, and thanks for commenting.
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October 3, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Wow! Love all of the powerful images! Nice!
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October 5, 2022 at 11:33 am
Thank you, I was trying to hit a lyrical tone with this. I’m glad the imagery read well for you. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks again.
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October 7, 2022 at 9:09 am
You did a great job, Laura!
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October 6, 2022 at 4:56 pm
Beautiful, sad and terrifying.
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October 10, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Although I don’t live in California, I have heard of the numerous fires. I believe the terror has stayed with you ever since. You’ve clearly expressed your feelings in this MS.
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October 14, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Thank you so much. Yes, the little story here is not far from my experience as a child. Years later as a volunteer firefighter, I found it disquieting how achingly beautiful wildfire is in its dance of destruction. One’s heart both lifts and shatters watching it leap up a hillside.
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October 16, 2022 at 11:09 am
Scary, thoguh!
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October 18, 2022 at 8:31 pm
This is beautiful and terrifying all at once and not in the traditional Halloween sense. Wow.
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October 2, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Crunch Crunch Crunch
By: Sarah Wilson Gregory
Crunch Crunch Crunch
The dried leaves underneath my bare feet crackle like wads of paper– Like the receipts mom tries to hide at the bottom of the trash can or the crumbled mess of half written poems dad is always writing but never finishing. They too end up in the trash can; dad’s lost ambitions nestled neatly around mom’s secrets.
I swing my foot wide and hard through the foliage covered earth, watching as they dance in the air.
Crunch Crunch Crunch.
Mom is always hiding the money she spends from dad. Dad hides his words from mom–at least the ones on paper. I hide from them both. Or maybe myself and the burden of being the product of their disintegrating relationship.
Each Friday, It’s my chore to empty the trash can–carrying the weight of my parents’ failed marriage in black trash bags that rest on the curb. I’m supposed to sweep the leaves off the driveway, but I don’t and no one reminds me.
I look forward to the crunching footsteps each time I walk down the driveway to take the trash out. I relish the washing away of another week’s worth of soured memories.
Crunch Crunch Crunch.
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October 3, 2022 at 9:33 am
Sarah, this is achingly beautiful.
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October 3, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Oh wow, this is incredibly touching. Well done!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:28 pm
Beautiful poignant story! Nice!
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October 10, 2022 at 1:30 pm
You’ve written this from the heart. Well done!
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October 18, 2022 at 8:36 pm
Oof. Right in the gut. Do parents think their kids don’t see? The voice here is fabulous. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Which One?
Estelle Middleton
In the Chihuahuan Desert of north Mexico, there lies a custom.
Every year, on the same day, without fail.
Long before the Rarámuri, Apache, Comanche, and Guarjío settled and traded.
Long before the Spaniards conquered.
Santa Ana gave it an official name once, something to do with the day it fell on, Dia de Los Muertos, but it’s lost now.
But the custom continues, the people remember.
Everyone in the traditional dress or suit and hat, adorned with flowers, faces painted to resemble skulls, all partake.
Going to or coming from a party, you must go to the metal-sheet house, no matter.
Typical Chihuahuan home, yes?
If you ignore the usually-empty marble bathtub out front.
It used to be a horse trough, until several boys stole it. And were promptly chased by its owner, a half-gruff live skeleton, shouting in Proto-Indian and Spanish.
Now when you go by the house on the special day, the tub is occupied.
Either the skeleton himself or a identical plastic skeleton.
Find out which it is this year. Walk up to it. Which one?
If it moves, then you’ll know.
If not, you’ll hear laughter from inside.
Then come next year and see again.
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October 3, 2022 at 9:37 am
Estelle, I love the storyteller’s tone to this, a custom passed down through the ages.
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October 3, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Rich and full of information! Nice!
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October 18, 2022 at 8:41 pm
Oooh, which one indeed! I’d love to know! Rich, vibrant story, thank you for sharing! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 7:39 pm
Who Can It Be Now?
by Debbie Vilardi
(With thanks to Men at Work)
Who can it be pecking on my head?
Go ‘way, or you might end up dead.
Who asked you to my pumpkin field?
You should fear. You know you could be killed.
Kind of you to bring a friend? Don’t you hear. I’m warning you again.
You’re not the only ones who need a snack.
I’m hungry too. And I can bite you back.
Who will it be next?
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October 3, 2022 at 9:38 am
I totally read this as the song. 🙂 Love it!
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October 7, 2022 at 11:48 am
Thank you, Debbie.
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October 3, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Great Halloween story! Love the ending!
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October 7, 2022 at 11:50 am
Thank you, Jill.
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October 19, 2022 at 8:42 am
A little less paranoia than the original and a lot more warning. Love it! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 19, 2022 at 10:27 am
Thanks, wordwritermo. That’s what I was going for. Plus, riffing the song was total fun.
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October 2, 2022 at 7:00 pm
LITTLE LEAF by Lindsey LeBlanc (Image 13)
Little Leaf clung to her branch
With all her leafy might
She was scared, but she declared,
“I will not fall tonight.”
Far below her on the path
That through the forest wound
Her fallen friends had met their ends
On soft and soggy ground
“I don’t belong down there,” she cried
“My home is in the trees.
I must stay where I can sway
And flutter in the breeze.”
“It’s time,” the others called to her
As Halloween drew near
“We’re needed on the ground, you see.
Our jobs are finished here.”
“Don’t be afraid,” they gently coaxed
“For our next step is clear.
We’ll heed the call, and then we’ll fall.
Like leaves do every year.”
“And once we’ve drifted to a stop
A new hope we will sow
We’ll strengthen soil, and we will toil
To help the forest grow.”
“And kids will be delighted
When we crunch beneath their shoes!
Do not fear, the time is here.
You only need to choose.”
Little Leaf clung to her branch
And whispered, “Friend, goodbye.”
‘Twas only peace and sweet release
When Little chose
To fly.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 2, 2022 at 9:50 pm
“I don’t belong down there” hit me in the feels thinking about the fear of change. Love how you captured that here!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:40 am
I love the last line. Fear giving way to peace.
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October 3, 2022 at 11:22 am
Aww, so sweet! Go, Little Leaf!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:16 pm
This is adorable! Glad Little leaf found her courage!
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October 8, 2022 at 4:27 pm
So clever and full of feels 🙂
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October 22, 2022 at 10:24 am
A little science and a lot of heart. Fantastic job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 6:40 pm
*Seems my comment didn’t post for some reason last night, so posting it again now. If it ends up being here twice, I AM SO SORRY!!!
Sukkot Surprise (198 words, Image 14)
By: Chayala Nachum
I think Dad’s not feeling well
Or his head’s out of whack,
He shopped for Sukkot yesterday
And look what he brought back!
Bumpy lemons–lots of them
Each in its own case,
A giant green and pointy spear
That whacked me in the face,
Two different kinds of leaves
(Guess one type’s not enough),
And bamboo stalks—what are we gonna
DO with all this stuff?
Pandas eat bamboo.
Maybe it’s for a pet?
But I just asked Mom for a dog
She said she’d never let.
I guess Dad’s making lemonade
And needs a special type,
The leaves are probably for display
Though I don’t see the hype.
I’m still not sure about the spear
Maybe it was half price,
Dad’s always buying stuff on sale
He thinks bargains are nice.
To give poor Dad a rest
I’ll make the lemonade,
I’m sure he’ll be glad to avoid
His white shirt getting sprayed.
I’ll sprinkle the leaves on top
To make it more gourmet,
I’ll break the bamboo into straws
So we can slurp away.
Hmm—this bamboo’s pretty strong
My hands are getting sore,
Ah ha! That’s it! The perfect tool!
That’s what the spear is for!
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:42 am
I love the mystery and the discovery at the end! Nice job!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Cute and clever!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:29 am
Haha! I don’t think dad is going to be very happy with the lemonade! This was so funny! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 6:31 pm
[…] Post it on your blog and make sure to fill out the entry form. […]
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October 2, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Pumpkin Eve
By Jennifer Weingardt
Every year after the month of October creeps to a close, the people in Gourdsville come together to carve thousands of pumpkins to help the mayor celebrate Halloween.
Visitors travel for miles to admire the heaps of jack o’ lanterns cloaking the mayor’s house.
Eve and her mother decide to visit the Pumpkin House the night before Halloween.
The shelves circling the mansion are filled with numerous faces, some funny, some a little silly, many very scary.
As Eve and her mother pass by the pumpkins, she notices each one is different from the one before it.
How could the townspeople carve so many?
Eve decides to mimic the expressions and makes a face each time she walks by a pumpkin.
“If you keep doing that, your face might get stuck that way,” warns her mother.
The mayor grins as they pass him sitting on his front porch.
It is getting late, and her mother turns to leave.
Eve stops to make one more silly face.
The pumpkins on the wall begin to grow bigger and bigger all around her.
“Happy Halloween, Eve,” whispers the mayor as he strolls by her goofy, frozen face on the shelf.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 7:55 pm
Ohh a cautionary tale! Very spooky ending!!
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October 3, 2022 at 8:23 am
Loved it! How creative, I could totally picture it in my minds eye!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:46 am
Whoa, creepy ending! I wasn’t expecting that.
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October 3, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Great Halloween story! Love the spooky ending!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:35 am
That mayor is one creepy dude, and reckless. Will Eve’s mother do anything about it or not? Oh the drama! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 4:35 pm
THE PATH OF LIGHT
Haiku
by Lyn Jekowsky
Modified rhythms,
The peace between seasons,
Milieu of fall light.
Flames of reflections,
Shadows play thru wooded paths,
Grand magnificence.
Carpet of red leaves,
Lacy forms on dark branches
form tunnels of light.
The gilt path ahead
draws one toward their tomorrow
in all its brilliance.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 9:47 am
Beautiful images. “Modified rhythms. The peace between seasons.” Nice!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:50 am
Thank you so much. I loved this picture of fall light.
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October 3, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Beautiful! Love the imagery!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:40 am
“Draws one toward their tomorrow…” that’s beautiful. Good luck! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 3:22 pm
Hither and Gone
@JillRStanton2
“Come hither,” tempts a path wrapped in bright sashes.
Heaven’s paintbox magic braids woodsmoke and ashes.
“Time waits for no man,” whisper canopied arches,
“Come hither and yon,” and onward time marches.
Arbor sentinel’s path completes the swan song
singing,“Hither, come hither, before it’s all gone.”
October, you beckon to walk in the woods
where fruits of those footsteps do a soul good.
“So, come hither and yon, getting lost in this day.”
Watercolored pathways herald joy on the way.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 2, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Love this! Great job!
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October 2, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Beautiful. I loved that image of watercolored pathways in particular!
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October 3, 2022 at 9:49 am
My favorite lines… “Heaven’s paintbox magic braids woodsmoke and ashes.” “Watercolored pathways herald joy on the way.” Beautiful!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Beautiful imagery! Nice!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:44 am
So pretty; you’re painting with words! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 3:02 pm
[…] Read more about #FallWritingFrenzy and view the other entries here. […]
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October 2, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Shifting Shadows
by Debbie Austin
The tip of Scrabble’s tail beckons me to follow. She disappears around the corner, and I want to run after her. But I’m not used to walking in heels, let alone running! I hobble to the corner and stop.
A deserted cobble-covered street snakes away from the busy plaza. A single light sputters at the far end. All else lies in shadow.
“Scrabble?” Mist wraps a wispy hand around my wavering voice, muffling the sound. Oh, where is that dratted cat?
I take a breath and then a step. The heel of my left shoe lodges between two stones. Perfect! Mom’s going to kill me if I ruin her spikes.
Scrabble’s normally green eyes glimmer yellow in the dim light of the alleyway. “There you are!”
I abandon the shoe and hopscotch my way toward her, centering each foot on a cobble. The cat saunters over and I scoop her up. “You’ve put on a little weight.”
“Meow?” Another cat emerges from the shadows. Nuzzling the stuck shoe, Scrabble questions me with her glowing green eyes.
Wait! Then who is… The cat in my arms vaporizes into the mist and a gloved hand clamps over my mouth.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 2, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Love this!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:20 am
Thanks, Jill!
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October 2, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Ooh! That’s a cliffhanger. I’m so curious about what happens next. Good job creating the suspense.
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October 7, 2022 at 10:22 am
Thank you! I’m curious what happens next too. Might have to keep writing. 🙂
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October 2, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Love the cliffhanger!!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:24 am
Thank you for reading!
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October 3, 2022 at 10:05 am
Very creepy ending.
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October 7, 2022 at 10:25 am
Thanks, Debbie!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Love the suspense and the ending!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:26 am
Thank you, Jill. I’m glad you liked it!
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October 4, 2022 at 6:53 am
Lovely imagery.
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October 7, 2022 at 10:30 am
Thank you so much!
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October 4, 2022 at 11:55 am
Mist, wavering voice, and shifting shadows . . . what great language you used to build suspense that led to the cliffhanger ending
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October 7, 2022 at 10:27 am
Thank you for reading, Patricia!
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October 6, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Lovely use of language – great atmosphere and build-up of tension and such a spooky ending!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:31 am
Thank you, Claire! I appreciate your comments.
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October 10, 2022 at 8:47 am
The cat in my arms vaporizes into the mist and a gloved hand clamps over my mouth. I’m hooked! What’s going to happen next?
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October 10, 2022 at 8:58 am
Thanks, Eleanor! Good question. I may have to keep writing to find out!
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October 10, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Please do, I’m sure a book will come out of it.
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October 12, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Super scary. Love your language.
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October 22, 2022 at 10:48 am
Oooo! Nice job! I don’t think mom is going to be worried about the shoes. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 1:34 pm
The Light
By Diane McBee
The red light beckons me.
But it is wrong.
It is the warmth I desire.
A warning I should heed.
Dark shadows forbid my approach.
Wet stone echoes the threat.
I sneak forward.
Flitting to a dark crevice.
Swooping to smooth stone.
The dark is deepening as the day fades.
A second light further away is warmer, more inviting.
But the warning light impedes my progress.
I dash forward.
I must get past.
I fall hard on the stones.
The light flashes overhead, reaching to engulf me.
Sliding.
Moisture soaks my clothes.
I lay and listen.
The light flickers behind me.
Sweat glistens on my brow.
My teeth clamp tight.
I tremble and soundlessly sit up.
Hunching forward.
Standing up.
Waiting for the unknown.
I glance behind.
The light flashes and goes out.
Sighing.
I have defeated it.
Darkness surrounds me.
Pushes me forward.
The yellow light beckons me.
But it is wrong.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Great spooky story! I love the way the tension builds.
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October 3, 2022 at 6:33 pm
Thank you!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Ooh, love the imagery and the ending!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Thank you!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:42 am
Great descriptions. I was right there with you. Thank you for sharing.
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October 4, 2022 at 10:54 am
Thank you, Jill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 8:52 am
Sweat glistens on my brow.
My teeth clamp tight.
I tremble and soundlessly sit up.
Hunching forward.
Standing up.
I’m learning so much about showing and not telling by reading all these amazing entries. Well done.
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October 10, 2022 at 10:29 am
Thank you!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:01 am
Wonderful physical details!
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October 10, 2022 at 10:25 am
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your comments.
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October 22, 2022 at 10:52 am
Fabulous way to draw us in and keep us reading. I want to know more! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Thank you!
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October 2, 2022 at 1:03 pm
The Ghost who Lost her Boo (Image #6)
By: Donnalee Hutchinson
195 words
A cry comes from behind Megan’s closet door.
It grows louder the closer she gets.
No one is supposed to be in her closet as far as Megan knew.
She swings open the door and much to her surprise, a sad faced ghost float around inside.
With eyes that shine bright, Megan thinks to scream at the sight.
But the ghost looks at her and tries to smile.
“Are you a ghost? Megan asks.
“Why yes I am,” A sad voice replies.
Megan looks on with curious eyes.
She doesn’t know what to do and before she can open her mouth to speak,
The ghost says, “My name is Cora. What about you?”
“I’m Megan. I’ve never seen a ghost before,” Megan says.
Cora tells the story of being banished from ghost land and how she lost her boo.
For refuses to scare little children like ghosts are supposed to do.
Megan invites Cora into her room.
And they become instant friends, playing, dancing, and watching movies too.
Cora is happy to have someone to talk to, even if it is a human child.
She hadn’t felt this close to anyone in quite a while.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Sweet and adorable story!
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October 3, 2022 at 1:48 pm
Ooh – I love the slant rhyme and rhyme you sprinkled in! And thinking someone in the closet is so relateable!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:06 am
Aw, sweet! Nice twist on something being in the closet and making it a sad ghost instead of something scary.
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October 22, 2022 at 4:10 pm
Megan is incredibly BRAVE! I wouldn’t have opened that door. Haha! I’m glad it turned out well. Good luck! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 12:51 pm
Word count 183 (image #1)
VINCENT’S REMARKABLE WISH
By MaryAnn Cortez
Vincent wished he were something more remarkable than a plain old crow.
“Like what?” asked Sunflower.
“A stealthy fox or a fluffy bunny.”
“You are Vincent. Find something remarkable in that,” Sunflower suggested.
The next day, Vincent shared his wish with Scarecrow. “But you are a crow.”
“I’m not a very happy crow,” Vincent complained.
“Sometimes, I’m not happy being a scarecrow,” Scarecrow confessed.
Still, Vincent wished.
He shared his wish with Owl.
Owl puffed her feathers. “I think you are remarkable, but if you are unhappy, there is something you can do.”
Vincent was curious.
“Ask the wizard for help. Then you’ll know for sure.”
The wizard agreed.
Poof!
Vincent stalked.
Vincent pounced.
Fox Vincent spit out a slimy frog! “Yuck!”
Next Vincent was a fluffy bunny.
Vincent hopped.
Vincent froze. “A wolf!”
Back to the Wizard he dashed with one last wish.
CAW-CAW! Vincent flew! Vincent soared! It was quite remarkable!
He stopped to see Sunflower. She gave him seeds.
He perched on Scarecrow’s shoulder. They shared a snack. “Being Vincent the crow is remarkable indeed, especially with such remarkable friends.”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Cute story! So glad Vincent learned to love himself!
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October 3, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Thank you!
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October 10, 2022 at 8:58 am
Great pacing and a theme of self-acceptance.
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October 13, 2022 at 7:04 pm
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 9:09 am
My favorite line: “You are Vincent. Find something remarkable in that.” Such a great story of self-acceptance and friendship.
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October 13, 2022 at 7:05 pm
Thank you, Debbie!
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October 22, 2022 at 4:12 pm
I’m glad the wizard was nice enough to turn Vincent back into Vincent. It could have turned out much worse! Whew! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 12:38 pm
https://youtube.com/channel/UCKOy_rhQVtnvjmwp1WOe6yA
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October 2, 2022 at 12:14 pm
Fred Funny Bones
Beth Holladay
No one believes me, but I swear a skeleton lives in my neighborhood. He sits in his front yard every day, all alone. I think he looks sad, so I stop to chat.
He tells me his name is Fred. And turns out, I’m right; he’s bone-ly because he has no body.
He used to have a ghoul-friend, but she broke up with him for a vampire and now she’s dead to him. Fred says he’s got a bone to pick with that guy. Then, he says he’s only joking! I think Fred likes tickling funny bones just like my dad.
I bet Fred and Dad would get along. They both love rock bands like The Grateful Dead and Bone-Jovi. They both played football in school (Fred quit because his heart wasn’t in it). Now they are both old guys with aching bones.
I want to prove that Fred is real. So, on Halloween I get up the nerve to invite him for family dinner. Sadly, he can’t make it. He has to catch a scare-plane, but says he admires my guts because he doesn’t have any. Hopefully everyone can meet him when he returns next October.
Bone-voyage, Fred!
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 2, 2022 at 3:57 pm
I really enjoyed the line ‘He’s bone-ly because he has no body.” Gosh I enjoy a good word play. Well done!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:01 pm
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
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October 2, 2022 at 6:35 pm
So cute! Love all the clever word play!
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October 2, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Thanks! I had fun with it:)
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October 3, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Cute, clever, and a lot of fun! Nice!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Thanks, Jill! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Very punny – You had me smiling from beginning to end:-)
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October 4, 2022 at 2:44 pm
Aww thanks very much:)
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October 10, 2022 at 9:00 am
I love the wordplay!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:12 am
I too love all the fun word play, Beth! Favorite line is about the “ghoul-friend.” 🙂
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October 22, 2022 at 4:18 pm
She’s dead to him. LOL! Good work from beginning to end! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 26, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Oh this was such fun to read.
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October 27, 2022 at 9:30 am
Thanks so much! 🙂
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October 2, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Mr. Lazy Bones
By Thelia Hutchinson
142 words
Image # 2
They call me Mr. Lazy Bones.
There is nothing here to see.
Just me and my bones…waiting patiently.
This is where I belong, this is where I hang.
I don’t need anyone…so please just scram!
They call me Mr. Lazy Bones, as you can plainly see.
I spend my time relaxing…and enjoying the desert breeze.
I don’t care much for anything, just leave me—let me be.
My bones are meant for scaring…everyone but me.
As I lie here and wait…
For the perfect moment to arrive.
Preparing for a scare, these bones will cause a fright.
My rattling bones have been resting…for oh so many months.
I’ve been planning for the occasion, a spine-tingling one.
No need for me to disguise, no need for you to fear.
I’m bone to be wild…
Lazy Bones—is here!
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 3, 2022 at 12:29 pm
I love “bone to be wild!” and him just hanging. Nicely done!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Thank you!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:03 am
I’m bone to be wild… Like the song. Well done.
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October 10, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 9:14 am
Thelia, this is great. Others commented on “bone to be wild.” I loved that line too.
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October 10, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Thank you!
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October 22, 2022 at 4:23 pm
His wish is to make everyone scram and I bet he gets it often. Haha! Nice work! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 22, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Lol.thanks
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October 2, 2022 at 12:03 pm
QUESTION: Hi! I posted my entry in the comments yesterday evening, but it’s not showing up now. Should I repost it, or should I wait?
Thanks!
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October 2, 2022 at 11:56 am
Follow the Light
Rennae Kletzel-Gilham
190 words
I haven’t been here in one hundred years. It’s strange how tiny pockets of space can stand the test of time. The light is in the same spot. Once lit by oil, now it hums with electricity.
I can still see the way his auburn eyes blazed softly under the light. Still feel the way my heart fluttered like a bat under my rib cage as he leaned into me. My back pressed against the rail of the balcony, cold shivers running up my spine. It was the most anticipated moment of my life. His soft lips gently pressed against mine, right before he whispered the spell to separate my soul from my body. One moment I was basking in the glow of young love, the next I was damned to the dark. Stripped of all hope. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. He bore the mark of a witch hunter, and I wasn’t great at hiding my true nature.
My footsteps echo off the pavement, at least they would if I was more than a ghost, which I fully intend to be by the end of the night.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 4:06 pm
I loved the imagery of the heart fluttering like a bat under the rib cage. Well done!
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October 2, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Thank you!
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October 2, 2022 at 7:17 pm
Oh wow, this is great! I want to read a whole novel about this!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:05 am
A dangerous love story. One moment I was basking in the glow of young love, the next I was damned to the dark.
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October 10, 2022 at 9:18 am
Great job reeling the reader in and then delivering the “punchline” straight to the gut. And then the ending! I have so many questions.
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October 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Some of us are better at hiding our true nature than others, but love will make us let our guard down sometimes, won’t it? @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 11:21 am
Under the Little Red Hood.
Wolfie walked around the town, looking for a snack.
He came across a crouching shape, a victim to attack.
A little girl, who’d stopped to tie the red lace of her trainer,
Stood huddled quite alone ahead, not knowing of the danger.
A cutie-pie who should be dressed in pj’s, snug in bed.
Instead across her shoulders was a cloak of fiery red.
A tasty midnight treat—what luck! He crept on silent paws,
But Wolfie leapt just when the child turned round to meet his claws.
Wolfie froze in mid-attack, his mind began to swirl.
This thing that turned to face him was no helpless little girl.
Instead of silky moon-white cheeks, two eyes, a nose, a chin.
A pumpkin lurched towards him; orange flesh replaced her skin.
Her eyes were jagged crosses, and a candle glowed inside.
Her mouth a slash of stitches, the grin cut slack and wide.
The pumpkin girl moved quickly, a stab, a slice, a score.
And Wolfie died before his head had time to reach the floor.
And now, instead of night-time walks whilst wearing her red cloak,
The pumpkin girl strides proudly in her lovely, grey wolf coat.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 2, 2022 at 11:44 am
Love this! So well done.
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October 2, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Love the nod to Red Riding Hood! Very clever!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:10 pm
I love the way the predator became the prey. Awesome switch. Also, the detail of the cloak and coat at the end was genius.
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October 2, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Love this! What a great twist at the end.
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October 2, 2022 at 7:07 pm
This is absolutely fantastic!! Love, love, love!
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October 7, 2022 at 3:20 pm
Wow! You did a great job! Love the twist! Nice!
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October 10, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Love this!
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October 22, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Oh. I LOVE THIS. Her mouth a slash of stitches, the grin cut slack and wide. The pumpkin girl moved quickly, a stab, a slice, a score. So good!! @mowrex (Twitter)
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November 2, 2022 at 4:36 pm
This is awesome! I loved everything about it. Well done!
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October 2, 2022 at 11:00 am
I am not sure I entered. My screen never went to SUBMIT. How can I make sure HALLOWEEN PERCEPTIONS i\is submitted correctly?
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 12:57 pm
It should be in the Google doc of entries below the form if it’s in. Good luck!
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October 7, 2022 at 3:18 pm
I’m seeing this now, Stephanie. I hope you got it figured out. I had the same trouble, but finally got it to work. I’m not even sure how.
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October 7, 2022 at 3:56 pm
👍
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October 2, 2022 at 10:21 am
Never Look into The Shadows -199
“Never look into the shadows.” Mother warned. “For if you do, monsters will come out and follow you home.”
But the sun is sinking rapidly, and I haven’t made it back.
A lump grows larger in my throat. My knuckles turn white with fear!
“Don’t look into the shadows.”
I can almost see my house!
“Don’t look into the shadows.”
Just one more block to go!
“Don’t look into the shadows.”
There’s a rustle by the ally.
My heartbeat thumbs loader.
There’s a crash next to the cans.
I jump and quicken my step.
There’s a shrieking cry behind the lamp post…
And I glanced for just a moment.
It leaps straight at me.
A streak of blackness flies through the air.
It lands hissing triumphantly into the night.
A tattered and mangy cat.
“Of course!” I thought.
“It must have been battling the monsters lurking in the darkness.”
My brave and valiant hero!
I give it some crumbs from my pocket, pet its head and start to turn back.
Swiftly, a chill shot straight up my spine.
I realize what I have done.
The sneaky feline is creeping behind me and this monster is now following me home.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Spooky. Great ending
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October 22, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Thanks 🙂
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October 7, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Love the spooky build up! Nice!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Awesome 👏 thanks
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October 22, 2022 at 10:47 pm
Yay 👏Awesome
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 9:09 am
Never trust cats. Cute! I liked the repetition. “Don’t look into the shadows.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 22, 2022 at 10:53 pm
Cool. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 20, 2022 at 9:13 am
Such a great creepy mood to this!
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October 22, 2022 at 10:54 pm
😈😈. Thanks
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October 22, 2022 at 4:47 pm
It’s just a kitty cat. It’ll be fine. I’m sure of it…I think? @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 22, 2022 at 10:49 pm
Yep… just cute harmless little cat 🐈⬛ 😼😈
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October 2, 2022 at 10:07 am
Brushing Teeth Is the Worst
Words by Amanda Shayne Aszman
[Illo: Child is dressed as a vampire]
Brushing teeth is the worst.
You have to stop the cool thing you’re doing.
Drag yourself to the bathroom.
Brush in boring circles.
Not too hard!
And no skipping a fang.
You even have to get the roof of your mouth. (They don’t call it a roof-of-mouth brush, you just have to know this stuff!)
But I have a perfect plan.
If I roll my lips in like this … then it’s almost like …
“Pops! My teeth are missing. Guess I’ll forget about brushing.”
“Guess we’ll forget about trick-or-treating too – can’t eat candy without teeth.”
Aargh!
I may not have thought this through.
Halloween without crackling candies …
Chewy chocolates …
Melty mouthfuls …
Halloween without treats!?
NEVER!
“Fang, my furry shadow. This is your moment.”
[Illo: Child puts her vampire costume on her dog, Fang]
“Go fetch us some candy!”
[Illo: Neighbors give Fang nothing but dog treats; he gobbles them up and returns home]
“Fang!!!”
[Illo: Child must brush Fang’s teeth]
Halloween with drooly jowls …
Stinky breath …
Treat-covered tongue …
Yuck.
I was wrong.
Brushing doggy teeth is the worst!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 2, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Great job, Amanda! My favorite line- “melty mouthfuls!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 7:09 pm
This is so cute! I can totally picture the art to go with it!
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October 4, 2022 at 11:06 pm
So cute! 🙂
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October 7, 2022 at 1:14 pm
Adorable and a lot of fun!
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October 20, 2022 at 9:15 am
So so cute!
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October 22, 2022 at 4:52 pm
Live and learn, kiddo. There’s ALWAYS something worse. LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 9:04 am
YOU DON’T KNOW ME
By Colleen Fogarty
You look at me
And turn your back.
You think I’m foolish
Dressed in black.
You, with your silky blond hair
And bright blue eyes.
You, everyone’s friend
So witty and wise.
You don’t know me.
I like the way I look today.
I know we differ in many ways.
I see the world with different eyes.
I’d like to think they’re just as wise.
I know this dress is part disguise.
I know the real me lies inside.
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 7, 2022 at 1:13 pm
I love this, Colleen! I know the real me lies inside! Nice!
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October 7, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Thank you, Jill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 10, 2022 at 9:13 am
Great message, I know the real me lies inside.
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October 10, 2022 at 11:48 am
Thank you, Eleanor!
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October 10, 2022 at 12:56 pm
My pleasure Coleen.
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October 20, 2022 at 9:17 am
I agree with others who quoted that last line. Golden!
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October 22, 2022 at 4:58 pm
Judging a book by its cover is probably one of the worst mistakes someone can make. We would all be better for it. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 8:12 am
Bamboozle
By Dina Hodara
Howdy, Pardner!
Sit a spell and I’ll tell ‘bout Bamboozle the Warlock.
He was prickly as a cactus, and sneaky as a snake.
Every Halloween he played tricks on unsuspectin’ folks.
He loved scaring people to death – literally – by changing into an animal, then poppin’ up on ‘em.
Poor Clarice…he hid in her boot as a bat – when he flew out, she was a goner…
Kirby didn’t stand a chance when Bamboozle scuttled out of his banjo as a scorpion.
The townsfolk tried to run Bamboozle out of town, but his magic was too powerful.
That’s when they called me – Jim Thorpe, the bounty hunter.
I was savvy to Bamboozle’s secret – the magical stones he wore around his neck gave him power.
Trouble was, he never took ‘em off.
I hatched a plan with Nita, the cook, she made the tastiest grub in town.
She fed him a feast, then he slept like a bear.
I snuck in while he snored.
Just as I thought I nabbed the stones, he flashed grizzly teeth and roared.
Afeared, I jumped through the window and landed in this tub.
Some say he’s still out there…
Careful, or he’ll get you too!
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 4, 2022 at 8:51 am
He’s been Bamboozled! Dagnabbit!
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October 7, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Great Halloween story! A fun read!
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October 20, 2022 at 9:19 am
My favorite line “Prickly as a cactus and sneaky as a snake.” Great voice!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:41 am
Deep Clean for Halloween
by Jamie Donahoe
“Bath time!” Grandma called
“Let’s get you two rascals into the tub. Remember to use Body Wash!! Scrub-a-dub. I want those bones of yours clean!”
The two boys dutifully came in from playing in the leaves, discarded their muddy clothes and boots, and trudged up the stairs to the bathroom.
Liam carefully added six drops of Pumpkin Spice Body Wash to the water and clambered into the old fashioned bath tub. His brother landed next to him with a plop and a splash. They scrubbed gently and then harder. The dirt of their day floated away.
They scrubbed and scrubbed, and scrubbed some more. They giggled as their skin sloughed off and dissolved in the murky water. The boys scrubbed even more deeply. The more they scrubbed, the more muscles, tendons and organs all fell away, swirling and turning the bathwater into a molten mess.
When they were as clean as clean could be, they climbed out of the tub, toweled off and clunked down the stairs where Grandma waited.
“There you are, my handsome bundles of bones! It’s so nice to see the real you again. Happy Halloween!!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 2, 2022 at 7:19 pm
What a great twist! This is so fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2022 at 9:18 am
I knew these two rascals would end up as skeletons, but never saw what Grandma said coming – What an unexpected and funny twist:-)
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October 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm
This is so cute! Love the ending!
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October 22, 2022 at 11:21 am
Great description in this and I love the last line!
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October 22, 2022 at 11:21 am
Thank you!
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October 2, 2022 at 1:42 am
HALLOWEEN PICTURE
by Kevin Brughelli
image #1
A Halloween picture
is easy for me:
I peek out my window
and paint what I see.
The view’s not delightful,
not cozy, not quaint.
Quite frankly, it’s frightful
but perfect to paint.
A Hunter’s Moon is rising,
a beacon bold and bright.
It’s casting creepy shadows
in eerie, orange-ish light.
A tree, once struck by lightning,
is split, yet still it stands,
with branches stretching downward,
like twisted, tangled hands.
A scarecrow looks forlorn
with straw-stuffed clothing torn.
He’s perched upon with scorn
by crows that crunch his corn.
A hand-carved, hollow pumpkin,
whose sleepless eyes are red,
is scary like the legendary
Headless Horseman’s head.
A wicked witch with warts,
a crazy, cackling loon,
is hunched astride her broom
while sweeping past the moon.
A cat beside a cauldron,
whose green concoction churns,
is swatting rotting bubbles
until the witch returns.
A spiny, spotted spider,
a stealthy, stalking strider,
is catching crawling critters
to slurp their guts like cider.
I’ve painted lots of pictures,
the same, unchanging scene:
around my spooky village,
it’s always Halloween.
My father [Frankenstein’s monster] hoists a platform,
which keeps us safe from falls,
and helps me hang my pictures
upon our castle’s walls.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 2, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Love the rhyme!! “Crows that crunch his corn” is such a great line!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:44 am
Thank you, Lindsey
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October 2, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Love the rhyme here– you paint some great pictures!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:45 am
Thank you, Lindsey – if only I could paint with paint!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 12:46 am
* Melanie
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October 7, 2022 at 11:33 am
Wow! You painted the perfect Halloween imagery!
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October 22, 2022 at 11:23 am
I love the images you describe in your spooky village.
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October 22, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Love this imagery you’ve created here. I can see it all. Good luck! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 1:31 am
Jackie Light, Jackie Bright
“Line up! Family coming through!” the warehouse foreman’s voice echoed through the endless rows of illuminated Jack-o-lanterns stacked floor to ceiling.
Jackie’s pulp grew queasy. Having been at the warehouse since September, she didn’t understand why families always walked right by her. Her expiration date was approaching, so she’d been lowered to the dreaded bottom shelf. As her rind softened, her chances of adorning a front porch were vanishing.
She felt obscure amongst the bigger, brighter and scarier Jack-o-lanterns adorned with elongated fangs, scowling eyeballs and rictus grins.
With a simple smile and two round hollows for eyes, Jackie didn’t instill fear in anyone. Still, a glimmer of hope grew in her as a pair of shiny black heels approached. Click-click.
“This one,” a voice declared.
Jackie was careful to control her excitement, afterall, she’d been contemplated once before, but, ultimately, placed back on the shelf.
“You sure, ma’am? That one’s on clearance. Gettin’ a lil soft”
“It’s perfect for us!” the confident voice responded, lifting Jackie up. “You see, my little Alma is a gentle soul. She won’t tolerate anything scary.”
That night, sweet Jackie glowed a little brighter on Alma’s porch, illuminating the night with her sweet light.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Aww this is sweet! I love Jackie! Perfect title, too 🙂
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October 10, 2022 at 9:20 am
This is lovely!
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October 16, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Sweet and beautiful!
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October 22, 2022 at 11:26 am
Ah, this is perfect for those who prefer sweet over scary.
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October 23, 2022 at 1:54 pm
This story is perfect for the little ones. I love it, nice job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 2, 2022 at 1:14 am
Through the Autumn Woods
Inspired by Fall- Credit: John Mccann for Unsplash
From the playground I come to the long path through the autumn woods.
In spring, this way is green and bright. Now it is shadowy and dim.
As I walk home, the tall trees lean and cry, dripping red leaves.
My heart beats faster, my feet pick up speed. Is someone behind me?
The dusky trees moan and sigh, “Yes, yes.”
Dead branches reach for my feet as I crunch through drifts of brown leaves.
I begin to run. Will I reach the end?
But I remember these trees and this path. I feel safe.
I slow down. My heart is calm. I listen.
The golden trees breathe and murmur, drizzling me with honeyed leaves.
Are they talking to me?
The velvety trees whisper soft words:
“Feel comfort and peace this season. Soon we sleep in winter. See you in spring.”
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 11:18 am
Well done! I love your “dripping red leaves” imagery. I can feel the fear and the calm.
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October 2, 2022 at 11:57 am
I wish we could all sleep in winter and wake in spring. Good luck!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:31 am
I love this! Great tension before the calm.
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October 23, 2022 at 1:57 pm
You took us full circle on a seasonal ride. Good job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 11:50 pm
Scarlett and the Flute
The path through the woods
stretched before her,
littered with leaf confetti
in a thousand shades of autumn.
Biscuits and apple butter
Hid under the red gingham cloth
Covering the basket.
Scarlett skipped, then slowed.
She craned her head to hear . . .
a flute?
A shadow danced ahead.
Then, disappeared.
What was that?
Music again.
Chilling, haunting music.
It was calling her.
Stay on the path.
Grandmother’s House is not much further.
The flute beckoned.
She turned.
Grandmother is waiting.
She stepped off the path,
Unable to resist
The flute.
Compelling, drawing . . .
Eerie trills beckoning . . . .
Soon, she was in the thick of the woods,
With only the flute to guide her.
Her name floated on the breeze
With the melody.
She followed the music,
Step.
By.
Step. . .
Note.
By.
Note. . .
I must follow.
No. . . .Grandmother . .
The flute. . .
A clearing.
A wolf, playing. . .
A flute.
She dropped the basket.
Goodbye, Scarlett
LikeLiked by 10 people
October 4, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Whoa, so creepy!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Whoa! I was totally drawn in and then your ending took me by surprise! Beware of the wolf.
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October 7, 2022 at 10:28 am
Love all the great imagery! Nice!
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October 7, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Very good and dark!
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October 10, 2022 at 9:23 am
Nice twist on Pied piper.
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October 1, 2022 at 11:04 pm
Just a Jack O’ Lantern
By: Nicole Garnett
A glowing light shines,
just behind that wall.
Then they all appear at once,
and soon I feel quite small.
All of them are carved, but still,
no two are quite the same.
They sit floor to ceiling,
each blazing with a flame.
There are glaring eyes,
even teeth on some.
I get a sinking feeling,
then start to go numb.
As I stare at each one,
I see a small flicker.
A face looking back,
then hear a low snicker.
I know that I should run,
or find a place to hide.
With no safe place in sight,
I freeze big-eyed.
“Don’t be so afraid”
I say to myself.
Just a jack o’ lantern,
sitting on a shelf.
As I take a deep breath-
I feel a chill go down my back.
And before I know it,
they have all gone pitch black.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 7, 2022 at 10:26 am
Love the tension and the spooky ending! Great Halloween story!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Beware the jack o’ lanterns, they’re coming for you! Aaaaahhhh! Great tension. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 10:30 pm
IN MY WOODS
By Elizabeth Kalasinsky
In my woods, no one tells me what to do.
Trees never say, “Do your homework!”
Birds never say, “Eat your veggies!”
Spiders never say, “Keep your voice down!”
Squirrels don’t care what I wear.
Chipmunks don’t care that my hair is frizzy.
In my woods, I can be anyone I want to be.
Sometimes I’m an actress
and the leaves become my stage.
Sometimes I’m a witch
and a branch becomes my magic wand.
Sometimes I’m a Queen
and a stone becomes my throne.
In my woods, I can feel happy or mad or sad.
The wind never says, “It was all your fault.”
The sun never says, “You’ve no reason to cry.”
In my woods, I am safe.
I am free.
I am me.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 2, 2022 at 4:26 pm
I really enjoy this. I love the idea of having a safe space, and the nod to imaginative outdoor play. Great job!
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October 2, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Thank you!
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October 7, 2022 at 10:24 am
I love this! Nature is such a great friend! Nice!
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October 7, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Thank you!
Elizabeth
Sent from my iPad
>
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October 23, 2022 at 2:13 pm
This is a beautiful blend of nature appreciation and and natural expression. Two thumbs up! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 23, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Thank you!
Elizabeth
Sent from my iPad
>
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October 1, 2022 at 10:17 pm
Bath Bomb
By Andrew Blackburn
It’s been a long day, and you need to unwind. What better way than a relaxing bath?
There’s no one home. No one will be for a very, very long time.
So, go ahead. Run a bath. Make the water just the right temperature. Not warm enough? No problem. You’ve got all the time in the world.
It’s time to climb in. Slide into the warm water, and say goodbye to your worries. Say goodbye. Let it melt away. Feel yourself start to melt away. Say goodbye. Feel yourself start to melt…
How about a bath bomb? Drop it right into the water. Soon, you’ll be surrounded by bubbles and the sweetest, most amazing smell. You’ll forget your stress and start thinking about nothing in the world except those bubbles. You’ll wish you never had to smell any other smell for the rest of your life.
Ready to get out? What’s your hurry? Think about the amazing smells. The relaxing bubbles. How it’s suddenly so very hard to move your arms or legs. Think about the relaxing bubbles. Try your hardest to think about the bubbles.
Have you ever experienced a moment so wonderful, you wish it could last forever?
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 1, 2022 at 10:51 pm
Ha, ha, love the way your story unfolds! You kind of know something bad’s going to happen, but you don’t know when or where. Kept me on edge – good job!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:37 pm
Well, that just put the concept of the bath bomb in a different light. Awesome creativity.
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October 16, 2022 at 3:43 pm
Love the imagery! I could feel all my worries melting away!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:21 pm
This is not going to end well. GET. OUT. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 9:59 pm
[…] You can read all the #FallWritingFrenzy entries by clicking here. […]
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October 1, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Identity Crisis
by Jen Lowe
(166 words, inspired by image #1)
The children, they stacked me one by one.
Big,
mid,
and small.
I’m ready!
For snowball fights,
and chilly nights,
mugs of hot chocolate too!
For I am a snowman and—
WHAT? I’m NOT a snowman?
Right. I knew that.
Um…
The farmers, they stacked me one by one.
Carefully curated,
three
heads
tall.
I’m ready!
For stern gazes,
and “GET OUT!” phrases,
no bird poo, too!
For I am a scarecrow, and—
HUH? I’m NOT a scarecrow?
Of course. (I was only joking.)
Let’s see…
Abominable Gourdperson?
No.
Jack O’Robot?
Nope.
Alien Pumpkin from outer space?
Absolutely not!
Sigh.
I know not who I am.
I gaze at the sky,
watch the clouds part…
Of course!
The Moon,
she stacked me one by one,
with careful help from little ones
creeping here and there.
I’m ready!
I shine,
an eerie orange glow.
I’ll give you a treat (and maybe a fright!),
for I am the Spirit of Halloween Night.
I feel it in my soul!
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 16, 2022 at 3:39 pm
This is so cute, Jen!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:27 pm
I’m glad they finally found themselves. 🙂 Whew! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 9:12 pm
This is awesome!
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October 1, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Glowing Light
By Britani Hinton
3
Pumpkins glowing bright
The delight they ignite
4/5
Children ready to roam
Disguised as they leave home
6/7
Spirits floating along
Spooky sounds in their song
8/9
Monsters stomp
Party dancers romp
10/11
Trick or treaters on the go
Howling winds continue to blow
12/13
Pumpkin light begins to flicker
Children continue to run and snicker
14/15
Skeletons shake and rattle
Leaves roll down the street, tittle-tattle
16/17
Flying witches cackling
Glowing embers crackling
18/19
Black cats howl
Followed by a hooting owl
20/21
Creepy crawling critters
Moonlight sparkles and glitters
22/23
Pumpkin shimmers growing dim
Haunted house visits on a whim
24/25
Bellowing zombies trample
Kids stealing a candy sample
26/27
Bats swooping and soaring
Creepy graveyard exploring
28/29
Creaking stairs to the door
Heavy footsteps on the floor
30/31
Emptying streets
Families counting their treats
32
The pumpkin glow is gone
Children tucked in with a long yawn
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 16, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Adorable and fun!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:31 pm
What a delightful description of Halloween night. I enjoyed this! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 9:03 pm
SLIM’S LAST CHANCE AT THE SUNSET SALOON
By Katie Schwartz
Word count – 199
Inspired by photo # 2
Slim left before dawn. “I’ll be walking for miles
before I find friends. Kindred spirits. With smiles.”
A sign: WELCOME WANDERERS – living or dead.
TOMBSTONE – A GHOST TOWN. One mile ahead.
Slim snap-popped along – shaking dust from his feet
Ghoul tunes on his iPod, he bopped to the beat.
Yee-owch! Boogie blisters! (They quickly congealed).
“I made it to Main Street!” His eyeballs were peeled.
Swissshh-something hovered. Slim called “Are you there?”
Just whooshing and wisping, like mist in the air.
Creaking, he crept down the cobblestone street.
“A tub! Just in time, I am dead on my feet.”
He fit – but just barely. So stiff…he got stuck.
Sometime in the night he ran plumb out of luck.
It was his time….he departed with grace.
Reclining, at peace. See the smile on his face?
New friends came to mourn him – what Slim wanted most.
He was loved! And he rose, a new spirit. A ghost!
TOMBSTONE – new sign:
We’ve ghosts-yes we do! But they’re totally sweet.
They float and they giggle. So go down the street.
The spookiest sight’s at The Sunset Saloon.
Slim’s bones – in the tub. Outshining the moon.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 10:46 pm
You perfectly captured the old west flavor needed for this photo, weaving in Halloween elements with an evergreen quest for friendship AND with perfect rhyme and meter! Fantastic, Katie!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Jill, appreciate this!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Love this! “Slim snap-popped along….’ So fun, I can totally picture this in my head. So fun!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Thank you Michelle!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:54 pm
Cute, clever, and a lot of fun! Nice!
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November 1, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Thank you Jill!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:36 pm
It’s Halloween themed, but not scary. It’s fun and even a little sweet. Nice work, Katie! @mowrex (Twitter)
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November 1, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:48 pm
OLD MAN
There is this place off of the highway,
If you blink you might miss it.
Right there, at the stop sign, a man and an old lady live.
They like to sit on their front porch and wave.
They open their home and serve breakfast to the people who pass by.
As a young girl, whenever we would stop at the sign, that old man and lady would be there. Sitting.
And smiling.
They would always wave to me.
As a child, I remember waving back
and smiling.
The other day I was passing through town.
It has been a while since I’ve been here.
A lot of things had changed, except for that house.
That old man was on the porch.
He was alone.
I heard that his wife had passed away.
I waved at the old man.
The old man waved back.
He wasn’t smiling.
In the front yard, there was a skeleton. It was in an old bathtub.
The skeleton looked like it was laughing.
So I drove away
smiling.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 16, 2022 at 2:53 pm
Love the atmosphere you created! Smiling!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Somehow, I don’t think anybody’s stopping for breakfast anymore…funny. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 8:27 pm
THE JACKS:
by Naz Alibhai
(#8 – Jack-o-lanterns – 178 words)
Jack was not nimble,
Jack was not quick,
Jack was stuck on a wooden stick.
He sat in silence,
Not by himself,
For hundreds more sat on each shelf.
Together they sat,
Row upon row,
Each wore a face, lit with a glow.
A grimace, a grin,
A wink, a scare,
Each Jack-o-lantern, carved with care.
But Jack was tired,
Oh what a bore!
He groaned and moaned all stiff and sore.
Just one little push,
A nudge that way,
And soon this Jack began to sway.
He rocked back and forth,
And side to side,
Then hung on for a rocky ride.
One bumped the other,
That took a toll,
Each Jack tumbled, and heads did roll!
Down they all landed,
Free from their place,
But now no one could see their face.
They saw their mistake,
Stuck on the ground,
How would they ever turn around?
No need to worry,
Master is here,
She’ll put them all back, have no fear.
Hooray for the Jacks!
Back in their place,
They sat once again, face to face.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 3, 2022 at 7:25 pm
I loved this! Such a fun and playful story:) Well done!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Thanks Vashti!
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October 4, 2022 at 1:34 pm
Very cute! Loved ‘heads did roll!’ – super!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Lol. Thanks Katie!
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October 16, 2022 at 2:50 pm
Adorable and fun! Nice!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:48 pm
I would be very suspicious if I was the master…don’t think I’d put them back together. They’re trouble! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 8:13 pm
Skeleton’s Soak
by Liz Kehrli
I’ve waited 12 months for this dark spooky night
One full of terror, surprises, and fright.
Twelve precious hours to showcase my skills
Sneak up on children and give them the chills.
Of course, I must try and avoid too much fear
I want them to visit the following year!
I strive for perfection, it’s not easy you know
Month after month I rehearse a new show.
Glowing eyes, slimy snakes, or spiraling bats
Perhaps I’ll send roaches or scurrying rats.
Pop out of a coffin, swoop down from a tree
None can be certain where I will be.
When I hear loud gasps and see the goosebumps
My night is complete- give me two fist pumps!
I breathe out a sigh, let loose a long groan
My frame feels weighed down, is there lead in my bone?
I’m sore and exhausted, that isn’t a joke
Need a hot cup of tea and a bubbly soak.
Some time to relax and prepare my next scheme
So I can be ready for next Halloween.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 2, 2022 at 3:43 pm
Liz, this is so cute! I think many grownups can relate to that skeleton’s feeling for Halloween or other given holidays. I loved the detail of wanting to be spooky but not too much so the kids want to come back next year.
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October 3, 2022 at 11:56 am
I love this and totally relate to Skeleton looking forward to the fun and also being exhausted at the end. Great job!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:52 pm
His plan has good bones, like to see what he fleshes out for next season. 😉 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 7:22 pm
TRESPASSERS OF THE NIGHT
On a quiet evening in the fall, a pumpkin scarecrow stands tall among his festive field. Two crows emerge from the haze in search of a Halloween treat. They are hesitant when they see the scarecrow. But as they circle around and around, they are not so easily fooled. After all, who would be scared of a pumpkin? They perch upon his head victoriously, taking delightful pecks of his pumpkin seeds. But all is not as it appears to be in this field. A glow soon appears and the scarecrow’s eyes narrow into a deceitful glare. His smile widens into a sinister grin. The crows are stunned, unable to move. Powerless. Their bodies grow rapidly, bulging and bloating. Boom! They explode into two pumpkins, dropping hard to the ground. The vines grip around them like chains, imprisoning them to the field. The scarecrow’s face gleams with evil pride. Two more creatures have been added to his collection. A moment of admiration before he fades back into a simple face, patiently awaiting to capture the next unwelcome trespassers of the night.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:31 pm
so spooky!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:43 am
Thank you Ann. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 8:14 pm
A clever and creepy pumpkin patch origin story!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:38 am
Thank you Anne. 😊
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October 1, 2022 at 10:50 pm
Wow! I wasn’t expecting that! So creative!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:58 am
Thank you so much Jill. 😊
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October 2, 2022 at 1:21 am
This is great! Scary! 🎃
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October 2, 2022 at 10:40 am
Thank you so much Yara! 😊
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October 2, 2022 at 3:14 am
Fantastic twist! Well done, Sharon!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:41 am
Thanks a bunch Bri! 😊
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October 3, 2022 at 11:13 pm
The pumpkin’s deception is well played and illustrates how even those who are suspicious can be fooled. Great story!
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October 23, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Thank you so much Diane!
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October 23, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Well, that’s ONE way to create a pumpkin patch! So devious!! Well done! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 7:21 pm
New Year
By Marla Yablon
Anniversary of Creation
Birthday of the World
Rosh Hashanah is a celebration
of firsts –
first light
first second
first day
and beginnings –
of time
of the year
of the rest of our lives.
We start with joy
at reaching a milestone –
a new year.
We join with community
to share values and responsibility.
Sound the shofar
to wake our souls
and stir our hearts to examine
our intentions
our actions
our omissions.
We begin the process
of repentance –
the mending of relationships
with God
with each other.
We gather with friends
and family to nourish
bonds around tables
filled with tradition.
Food as metaphor –
the roundness of the challah is
the cycle
of the seasons
of the reading of Torah
of life.
The sweetness of raisins, dates,
and honey is the hope
for a good year
for health
for prosperity
The physical is transformed
to the spiritual,
strengthening our connections
to our people
our heritage
our God.
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:32 pm
lovely
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October 1, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Thanks!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Beautiful!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:26 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Heartfelt and enlightening. I love how you illuminate the symbolism of the challah and sweet foods.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:27 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:44 pm
This was beautiful! Encompasses all the parts of the holiday.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Thank you for your encouragement.
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October 2, 2022 at 11:26 am
Beautiful.
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October 2, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Thanks, Jill 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 8:27 am
We’ll done ✅
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 10:57 am
Thank you!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:20 pm
Educational and beautiful! Thank you for sharing this story. I would love to see this in picture book form!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 4, 2022 at 8:04 am
Thanks so much!
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October 23, 2022 at 3:01 pm
Thank you for sharing the meaning behind the traditions. I love learning something new. @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 7:02 pm
THE DARK SIDE OF LIGHT
by Vashti Verbowski
(196 words)
Image #11 (empty street at night with red streetlight)
FLICKER. Up here! Yeah, it’s me, Light talking.
Now that you’re paying attention, did you notice my creepy red hue? Keep staring—how are those bright blotches in your eyes treating you?
Light isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, you know.
Remember that night when you spotted an unfamiliar glow out your window…
Scary, wasn’t it?
So why do people keep insisting that light is good, and dark is bad?
Nothing is black-and-white—we all have our shades, our hues, our terrifying tones.
Sure, you can’t be certain what’s lurking in the shadows. But who helped make those shadows?
ME! That’s right. There’d be no shadow without light.
Besides, I’ve heard that Dark is cozy when you’re curled up in bed.
And when the moon eclipses the sun, the world watches in wonder.
Don’t forget all the nocturnal animals that prefer the dark, because let’s face it, light is too bright, too fierce, too dazzlingly dangerous!
The way you humans flock to the light, you’d think you were related to moths.
Do you know how many moths have died in my light?
What!?
You’re still not scared of me!
Just wait until morning, and then I’ll getcha!
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Love this! Such a great reversal of the usual take on light and darkness.
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October 1, 2022 at 10:40 pm
Thank you:)
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October 1, 2022 at 7:33 pm
cool
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October 1, 2022 at 8:37 pm
Ingenious and insightful! I love how your narrator toggles between hilarity and introspection regarding the importance of shaking off preconceived notions.
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October 1, 2022 at 10:40 pm
Oh Anne, even your comments have so much depth! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 10:55 pm
What a unique take on this image! I love how you told it from the light’s point of view. Terrific!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:21 pm
Thank you Jill!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:09 pm
Great idea writing from the light’s perspective.
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October 4, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Love the voice of darkness!
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October 23, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Great way to play with perspective and point of view. Clever! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Soul Survivor (Image #4)
By Amy Newbold
Before dawn, I put on my mask, lighting the crossed-out eyes and stitched mouth. Disguising my face should buy me enough time to reach you—the only person I have left. It’s been a month since the Soulless Horde appeared. The faceless humanoids slink down the streets at night, consuming us one by one.
I ride my skateboard, trading stealth for speed. The Horde is sluggish, ready to retreat before rising again at night to claim us. The containment wall surrounds the town, nearly complete. We will be trapped inside with them.
I stash my board and approach your house. My sneakers are silent on the pavement. I stick to the shadows as leaves skitter across the sidewalk, rattling like my nerves. A Soulless glides toward me and I freeze.
The creature pauses. Sniffs. Reaches for me.
My heart is a jackhammer. I pray my disguise fools it.
It moves closer. Inches away.
My lungs scream.
After an eternity, the Soulless drifts away. I gulp air.
I knock on your door and wait.
The door creaks open and I see a hand. Yours, but not yours.
I stumble off the porch, my body quaking.
Your face…is Soulless.
I run.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:34 pm
very scary
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October 1, 2022 at 7:36 pm
This gave me shivers!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:18 pm
chilling to the bone!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:53 pm
You build wonderful, spine-tingling suspense with authentic voice and details (like the skateboard and lit mask).
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October 1, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Wow! Love the title and the suspense!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:43 am
Spooky! Well done, Amy!
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October 2, 2022 at 11:33 am
wow…definitely want to read more! Very chilling!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:07 pm
So much suspense! Great story.
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October 23, 2022 at 3:09 pm
This is terrifying and could definitely be a longer piece. Good work, Amy!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:48 pm
JOE O’LANTERN
By Kristen Indahl
Middle section. Top row. Second from the right.
Not a bad spot, even if it’s between two taller blokes with a twisty sense of humor.
Jack had a conflict this year, so the pick of the patch role fell to me.
My job is to keep an “O” on things. Help the crew carve out quality time with friends before the real fun starts.
Most of us have glowing comments to share – except for Bob and OJ, who tend to get a little seedy.
I remind them to reel it in when the kids show up.
In our shadowy little corner of the village, we’ve got quirky, kooky, creepy, and gleeful.
All soon to be reflected in the faces of zombies, witches, ghosts, and ghouls.
It’s the best job in the world.
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Love the wordplay!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:55 am
Thanks so much!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Love your premise of an O’Lantern family and how you show Joe has got Jack’s back.
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October 4, 2022 at 10:57 am
Thank you, Anne!
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October 23, 2022 at 3:14 pm
Keep an “O” on things. Haha! Good job with the puns and word choices. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 23, 2022 at 5:05 pm
Thank you! 🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bunny
By Rebekah Harper
One bright fall day, a chocolate peanut butter bunny was hopping through a peaceful forest.
When,
suddenly,
a fox jumped out from behind a tree and ate up his ears.
Scared and confused Peanut Butter Bunny started to hop away
when the fox
leaped at him again.
This time the fox didn’t get any more chocolate bunny parts.
The peanut butter had sealed fox’s mouth shut!
Peanut Butter Bunny was safe.
All the bunnies in this quiet, peaceful forest were safe.
All the squirrels were safe.
All the birds were safe.
The forest rang out with tweets, chirps, and clicks of
Thank You,
Thank You,
Thank You,
Peanut Butter Bunny!
But Peanut Butter Bunny, unable to hear them,
continued his journey along a quiet, peaceful path.
[Art Note: make it obvious that he has no ears.]
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 11:05 pm
PB Bunny might lose his ears but he doesn’t lose focus!
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October 23, 2022 at 3:18 pm
Peanut Butter Bunny is a hero and doesn’t even know it. Blissfully unaware. What a funny bunny! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Stolen Moments
By Julie Brydon
Traversing the trees one crisp Samhain, a fluttering caught my eye.
A falling leaf, perhaps? Or maybe a butterfly?
But then, the tinkling of a laugh enticed me to stray from the path.
There stood the loveliest woman I’d ever seen.
She gave me an impish smile, her finger beckoning.
I strode towards her, mesmerized, unable to resist.
Raising to her tiptoes, she rewarded me with a kiss.
Breathless, I watched her flitter away and vanish into the wood.
And though I attempted to follow, the lady seemed gone for good.
With a heavy heart, I returned to find my cottage in disarray.
Every surface was dusty, the corners laced with cobwebs. How had it gotten that way?
I inquired with my neighbors, who gasped upon seeing my face.
According to them, seven years ago I’d vanished without a trace.
Could it be possible so much time had passed?
My hand flew to my mouth, understanding at last.
I’d thought she’d stolen a kiss, and though it had been divine . . .
Her true theft was far greater. She’d stolen my time.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Time is so valuable.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:19 pm
clever- nice twist!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:07 pm
Wicked good Rip Van Winkle retelling!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Nice range of emotion complete with a surprise ending.
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October 23, 2022 at 4:21 pm
What did she do with that time? Steal it for someone else? I need to know more! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 5:54 pm
THE GRIMGRENDEL FOREST
By Julie Fruitticher Schroeder
Tommy always rode double fast on the trail through the Grimgrendel Forest.
The path between the two rows of giant trees looked pleasant,
but IT wasn’t.
Something dreadful lived in there.
He’d felt IT watching him…
and even heard ITs rasping growl once.
Everyone knew the danger and avoided getting too close to those trees.
Everyone except the new kids,
Chopper and Bam.
They were mean as snakes—
and waited for Tommy on the trail.
When he tried to pass, the boys knocked Tommy off his bike
and laughed like demons.
That’s when the trees began to rattle,
with long bony branches reaching down,
tangling Chopper and Bam in their fingerlike twigs.
Grunting snarls rumbled from deep within the woods.
Tommy ran, glancing back as Chopper and Bam were dragged,
legs thrashing,
deeper and deeper into the trees,
screaming,
until they disappeared.
When Tommy heard the terrifying CRUNCH… CRUNCH…CRUNCH…
he took off.
No one ever saw Chopper or Bam again.
Some said the crunching must have been the twigs breaking on the ground as the boys ran away.
But Tommy knew…
IT …
was munching on bad boy’s bones.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:38 pm
oooh. evil trees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:13 pm
You reel us in with your incredibly evocative details (like double-fast, “mean as snakes,” and “the trees began to rattle”).
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October 4, 2022 at 1:31 pm
I kept reading, wondering what was going to happen! A cautionary tale – don’t be a bad boy! Good job!
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October 9, 2022 at 2:51 pm
I love all the spooky imagery! Great Halloween story!
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October 23, 2022 at 4:24 pm
If I were Tommy, I wouldn’t go back through that forest. IT has potential to do some terrible things! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Plumpkins
By SJ Bremekamp
Secretly growing in the mystical woods.
Arose a peculiar patch up to no good.
Witches had gathered at the midnight bizarre
Trading enchanted magical seeds from afar.
These specialized witches were known far and wide
For growing spirited pumpkins with magnificent pride.
When greedy trees reached their splintered branches up,
battering brooms, the mood, and grabbing at witchy stirrups.
Grown by moonlight and magic, seeds became vines.
Wrapping while spreading, zig zagging their lines.
Gnarly or smooth, colors dreamy and vast,
Pumpkin leaf feet freed them at last.
If you are unlucky you may come across,
just such an escaped plumpkin that comes with a great cost.
Don’t be fooled by their sweet silence whenever you stare.
They wait for nightime to set up their spellbinding snares.
Candy obsessed, they also eat socks.
Beware, for Plumpkins really know how to rock!
Natural acoustics built into their gourd.
Keeping you awake hitting just the right chord.
If you come across your own plumpkiny blight.
The secret to survival is in your own tricky bite.
First heat up the oven, then prepare a pie.
Now see how fast those plumpkins roll by.
Magical, mystical, glorious swish.
Disappearing into darkness as they vanish.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 11:21 pm
Incredibly imaginative!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Thank you so much, Anne!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:25 pm
I love the rhyming scheme!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:37 pm
Thank you so much, Laura! It was tough! Google translate helped bc I had her read it out loud to me over and over again, with earphones so as not to disturb the dog. LOL
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October 8, 2022 at 2:15 pm
I’ve been known to make a plumpkin or two vanish in a pie! How did you know?? Good job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 8, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Hahahhahaahah Thank you!
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October 9, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Adorable! I love the title!
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October 1, 2022 at 4:43 pm
The All Hallows’ Prophecy
By: Laura Hollister (198 words)
The pale glow of lanterns’ light
Banish fear and fright this Halloween night.
Amalee glanced up at the ancient words carved into the stone archway, smiling as she entered the brick-lined square. It was merely one of many such places across the city decorated this night with the sacred Jack-o’-lanterns, their shining, grinning faces banishing the cool autumnal air with perpetual smiles.
Amalee turned to examine the nearest wall of pumpkins. The closer she drew, the warmer it became. She was peering into the flickering eyes of a goblin when a spine-tingling creek sounded at her back. She rushed around. Nothing. It must have been the wind. She returned to her inspections, failing to notice the late hour.
The candles’ heat transformed the pumpkins. Their grins sagged, turning grotesque as they melted. Amalee knew nothing of this.
If only the passage of time had not sponged away the final verses of the poem carved above the archway.
But, beware the faces sour turn
As quickened candle flame doth burn
For wicked intentions they doth hide when witches and creatures no longer shy
Test their power and reach up high to blot out the moon and darken the sky.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 2, 2022 at 4:05 pm
This is so brilliant! It gave me goosebumps.
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October 2, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Thank you so much! Goosebumps are a great response for Halloween =).
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October 9, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Love the tension! A great spooky Halloween story!
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October 9, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 23, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Nice turns of phrase in here. Good job! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 23, 2022 at 5:34 pm
Thank you so much for your comment.
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October 1, 2022 at 4:25 pm
The Pumpkin Problem
Darcie Naslund
Fall Frenzy Submission
Word Count: 168 words (21 words are illustration notes]
No. No. No. It’s all wrong. I need to start over again.
I will create a positively perfect pumpkin plucked from my plentiful pumpkin patch.
It must be…
Spooky.
Scary.
Spectacular.
Pluck, lift, roll.
Cut, scrape, scoop.
Eew.
It’s full of goop!
Slice, shape, sculpt.
One perfect pumpkin for a flickering candle’s light.
No. No. No. It’s all wrong. I need to start again.
[Neighbors and townspeople are walking by or offering help. She refuses.]
Once again, I start.
Over.
And over.
And over again
Pluck, lift, roll.
Cut, scrape, scoop.
Slice, shape, sculpt.
Until…
There are no pumpkins left to pluck.
Not a perfect pumpkin in sight.
Only one pitiful pumpkin will glow with a single candle’s light.
But on the darkest night, one light becomes two.
Then two becomes three.
One by one, each pumpkin glows,
creating a flickering collection of pumpkin perfection.
Was it magic?
Witches?
Ghosts?
What a puzzling pumpkin problem.
[townspeople in costumes are bringing candles to light each pumpkin]
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 4:54 pm
A cleverly crafted tale of creativity fostering community—and vice versa..
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October 1, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Thank you. 😊
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October 1, 2022 at 8:22 pm
lyrical and clever!
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October 2, 2022 at 4:07 pm
Such a sweet story! I feel the anxiety of needing to pick and carve the perfect pumpkin. Such a sweet ending.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 9, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Cute and clever! I love the happy ending!
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October 23, 2022 at 4:38 pm
I bet that pumpkin was practically perfect in every way. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 3:42 pm
A HALLOWEEN CAPE-R
By Linda Staszak 188 words
Edgar’s stubby legs trudged toward his human.
Molly tied a sparkly cape around his neck, and he trotted out the door after her.
Hrmph—he never trotted—what was going on?
Edgar tingled all over.
His fur shone in the moonlight.
His legs even seemed longer.
Excited Molly raced onto a porch and bumped a pumpkin display.
Edgar stretched and reached and caught them—all except one that wibbled and wobbled and crashed on his head.
He peeked through the eyeholes and they pranced away.
Edgar snorted. He didn’t prance.
But Molly did, and she pranced right into another trick-or-treater. Their candy bags soared into the air.
Sproinnggg! Edgar pounced like there were springs in his legs.
He snagged the bags without losing a single piece.
Molly clapped, and then she tripped.
Scritch—scratch! Sparks flew from Edgar’s nails on the sidewalk.
He leaped and caught Molly before she hit the ground.
That was enough—he steered them toward home.
Molly pulled the pumpkin off Edgar’s head and untied his cape.
Edgar hid it and curled up.
He wasn’t cut out for super-hero stuff.
“No. More. Capes. Zzzzzz.”
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2022 at 5:04 pm
A hilarious heroes-don’t-wear-capes story. Love the scritch-scratch line!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Thanks! This is so much fun!
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October 2, 2022 at 3:02 am
Cute!
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October 9, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Adorable and fun!
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October 23, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Save that cape for later, sounds like Molly needs a superhero often. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 3:18 pm
CLEVER CARVING CONTESTANT
Jill Purtee
The contest had barely begun.
One rule was for us to have fun.
This one guy was sly—
served us all pumpkin pie.
So deservingly, his pumpkin won.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:24 pm
Just a Jack O’ Lantern
By Nicole Garnett
(144 words)
A glowing light shines,
just behind that wall.
Then they all appear at once,
and soon I feel quite small.
All of them are carved, but still,
no two are quite the same.
They sit floor to ceiling,
each blazing with a flame.
There are glaring eyes,
even teeth on some.
I get a sinking feeling,
then start to go numb.
As I stare at each one,
I see a small flicker.
A face looking back,
then hear a low snicker.
I know that I should run,
or find a place to hide.
With no safe place in sight,
I freeze big-eyed.
“Don’t be so afraid”
I say to myself.
Just a jack o’ lantern,
sitting on a shelf.
As I take a deep breath-
I feel a chill go down my back.
And before I know it,
they have all gone pitch black.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 4:34 pm
Nicole, checking in. Your poem showed up as a reply to my entry. I want you to know in case this was by mistake. Good luck.
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October 1, 2022 at 9:17 pm
Hi! Sorry about that! I’ll repost! Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:06 pm
A terrific thumbnail-tale with a delicious twist!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Thank you, Anne.
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October 1, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Short but sweet! Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 8:46 pm
Love this limerick!
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October 2, 2022 at 11:29 am
Thank you, Chayala. I like your alliteration . . . ‘Love this Limerick!’
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October 2, 2022 at 11:31 am
Thank you, Marla. It isn’t like me to be a woman of a few words!
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October 3, 2022 at 2:31 pm
My kind of contest! Can’t wait for my first slice of pumpkin pie this fall! Clever!
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October 3, 2022 at 4:07 pm
Thank you. I hope you order extra whip cream.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Great limerick!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:32 am
Thank you, Diane.
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October 23, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Great limerick, short and sweet. Literally! Good job. But now I want pie… @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 23, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Thank you. I don’t know about you, but I like pumpkin pie for breakfast, too.
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October 23, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Why not?? Yes, please!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 3:10 pm
The Skeleton’s Ride
by Karyn Curtis
(112 words)
A skeleton sat in a yard
He’d been there for a while
“These decorations lack panache!
The seating’s simply vile!”
“I’m waiting for my team,” he said
They seem to have absconded.”
(His neighbor was quite prickly
And never once responded)
“Perhaps I drove them callously
Our turnaround was tight
The cargo was colossal and
We worked throughout the night!”
“I’m not sure they will know me now
I’ve lost a bit of weight
Since Rudy and the other guys
Abandoned me to fate!”
“I’m sure they’ll be back any time,”
And then he gave a pause
“I haven’t introduced myself:
My name is Santa Claus!”
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 4:28 pm
lol love the holiday mashup!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Thanks! My two favourite holidays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:28 pm
A clever and merry mystery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Thanks, Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Ha ha ha! And now we know the rest of the story…
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October 1, 2022 at 6:33 pm
LOL!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clever, funny, and it highlights your talent for writing dialogue, Karyn!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Aww, thanks, Cindy! And thank you for your help, CP!
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October 2, 2022 at 7:32 pm
Hahaha I love this!!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:20 am
Thanks, Lindsey!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:23 pm
I love the twist ending! What a creative take on that prompt photo!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:23 am
Thanks, Jennifer!
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October 3, 2022 at 7:43 pm
Love the ending!!
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October 4, 2022 at 3:24 pm
Thanks, Armineh!
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October 5, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Ha! Poor Santa.
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October 12, 2022 at 5:22 pm
LOL!
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October 9, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Cute and clever! I love the ending!
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October 12, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Thanks, Jill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 23, 2022 at 4:58 pm
It’s your own Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween/Christmas mashup. I love “the cargo was colossal.” Great stuff! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 24, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Perfectly Imperfect Pumpkin
by Bri Lawyer
An unwanted pumpkin, I’m left on the ground.
But would I be carved if my body were round?
And If I were orange, instead of this green,
Would I be displayed, and not left unseen?
Who wants a pumpkin that’s covered in bumps?
All of my lumps got me down in the dumps.
I long for a candle that’s shining inside.
To sit on the shelf while glowing with pride.
But must I be perfect to be carved with a grin?
Or a ghost, or a spider with wild webs to spin?
So many pictures to light up the night.
Except for one thing… no witch in sight!
Witches are green. They are warty, not round.
Where could a pumpkin like that be found?
Now I sit on the shelf with a candle.
Doing a job that no other could handle.
So no matter your shape, or your flaws, or your hue,
It’s great to be different. Be glad you are you!
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 5:31 pm
I love how you show your pumpkin in its best light!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Thank you so much Anne! 🙂❤️
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October 1, 2022 at 6:01 pm
Way to go, Bri! Love the message ❤
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October 1, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Thank you so much! 🙂❤️
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October 1, 2022 at 7:47 pm
A witch’s pumpkin! Of course!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:53 am
🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 11:22 pm
Great story Bri!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:56 am
Thanks Sharon! Couldn’t have done it without your feedback! 🙂
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October 2, 2022 at 1:24 am
This is so fun!
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October 3, 2022 at 2:23 am
Thank you! 😊
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October 2, 2022 at 2:54 pm
Great job Bri!
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October 3, 2022 at 2:24 am
Thanks Yessi! 😊
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October 9, 2022 at 2:40 pm
A great pumpkin story with a beautiful message!
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October 10, 2022 at 1:29 am
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 12, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Lovely
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October 23, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Fabulous! Fantastic! Freeing to be YOU! Love the message. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Bathtub Dreams
By Caitlin Binder-Markey
161 words
“Don’t stay in the bath too long or you’ll shrivel up,” Mom warns.
I sink into the warm water until everything is silent and blurry. My mind drifts away.
I am a pirate, fighting battles on the seven seas.
I am a surfer, riding the perfect wave.
I am a dolphin, leaping above the surface.
I am a deep sea diver, discovering hidden worlds.
I am a sailor, slicing through the –
“Time to get out!” Mom yells.
The water is cool now. My fingertips are wrinkled prunes. Just a little longer…
I am a submarine, searching the depths for lost relics.
I am a shark, chasing its prey.
I am a whitewater rafter, bouncing on the wild rapids.
I am a torpedo, streaking toward an enemy ship.
I am…
Shivering. Time to get out. I lift my hand to pull up the drain, and see long, smooth bones.
When I look in the mirror, a skeleton stares back at me.
“MOM!”
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 5:35 pm
I love the terrific “trick” ending of your cautionary tale, and your narrator’s imagination works a treat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 7:48 pm
A story to induce nightmares!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:25 pm
love this bone chilling story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Oooh creepy! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Love the ending and the clues you plant with phrases like shrivel up and wrinkled prunes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 23, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Uh oh! You should have listened to your mother. LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 2:54 pm
The Pocket Guide to Fall Fairies
by Anne Lipton
(Inspired by Image 13-Fall)
Spring fairies flit among flowers, but Fall fairies soar through the trees,
guiding their wings like hang gliders, braving the brisk autumn breeze.
Spring fairies strut in their bonnets, but Fall fairy fashion is fine.
Scarlet, burnt umber, and russet can color a catwalk divine!
Spring fairies jet for their spring break, but Fall fairies set out to school,
sporting their Fair Isle sweaters, playing it naturally cool.
Spring fairies bat in spring training, but Fall fairies throw for first down,
tossing pecans as their footballs, running their green fields to brown.
Spring fairies play in mud puddles, but Fall fairies crack a corn maze.
Swapping cranberries for apples, they fry up some fritters to glaze.
Spring fairies gather spring onions, but Fall fairies toast sweet s’mores.
After they carve mini pumpkins, they dry-roast the seeds from their cores.
Spring fairies sing in the raindrops, but Fall fairies dance by the moon,
lending long light for the harvest, it offers the farmers a boon.
Spring fairies wake from their slumbers, but Fall fairies feather their beds,
folding their wings in leaf blankets, resting their acorn-capped heads.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Such a fun poem, loved the imagery and contrast between spring and fall!
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October 1, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Thank you!🧚♀️
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October 1, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Beautiful images, Anne!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Thanks, Karyn!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:42 pm
fun
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:23 pm
Thanks!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:49 pm
This is lovely, Anne! Top notch, as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Thanks, Glenda!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Love the rhyming and the imagery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:50 pm
Great imagery. Love this
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:24 pm
Thanks, Claudine!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:38 pm
Those Fall fairies are so feisty! Now I’m waiting for the fairy showdown series:) Well done Anne!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:25 pm
Thanks as always, Vashti!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:52 am
Love the fall and spring comparisons. Well done, Anne 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 4:58 pm
Thanks, Bri!
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October 2, 2022 at 3:41 pm
This is such a fun concept! I adored the images, particularly the acorn-capped heads at the end. I could see some cute illustrations coming out of this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Thank you!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:30 pm
I love the way your words dance along, just the way the fairies might. Beautifully written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 3, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Thanks, Jennifer!
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October 23, 2022 at 5:18 pm
The title is PERFECT! Nice job with this whole package. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 2:49 pm
The Unfolding
By Jennifer Thomas
(inspired by photo #13: the tree-lined road)
“Return at three times three,” the shifting leaves had whispered to Maisie as she’d wandered along the tree-lined road last autumn.
She’d slipped out of Grandma’s house at 9 p.m. to return to the road, and then again at 9 a.m. the next morning. Nothing. She’d decided she must have been hearing things.
Now, a year later, Maisie’s family was back at Grandma’s house at the edge of the northern woods to celebrate Maisie’s ninth birthday. Maisie polished off her slice of birthday cake.
“Can I go see the neighbors’ puppies?” she asked.
As she swished through the fallen leaves on the road, the air shifted subtly. Maisie suddenly remembered the voice. Could it have meant to return when *she* was nine?
The air shifted some more, as if a sheet of paper was being unfolded. The outside of the folded air was ordinary. Blank.
But the inside wasn’t.
To steady her nerves, Maisie leaned her hand against a tree trunk. The bark was soft and yielding, like pudding. Her hand disappeared into the tree. Her brain started jangling: Run! Run! Run! But she didn’t. She pushed her arm in further, then stepped into the tree.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:33 pm
I love this Jennifer! I want to know what happens next!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Thanks, Laurie!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:53 pm
A cryptic birthday invitation with a clever cliff-ending!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Thank you, Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:44 pm
So interesting. I love the little bit of math, and I wish I knew what happens next.
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October 2, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Thanks! Math often comes in handy, doesn’t it? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Love this cliff hanger! I want to follow her in.
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October 2, 2022 at 10:27 pm
Thanks!
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October 2, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Ooh, so creepy!
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October 2, 2022 at 10:27 pm
Thanks, Karyn!
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October 23, 2022 at 5:25 pm
So many entries in this contest (including my own) are a scene that can and should be part of a larger story. Good work, now let’s see more. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 2:25 pm
[…] provided and compose a story, poem, or mood piece of 200 words or less. You can find out more here. The submission window is October 1-3, so if you’re considering joining in, don’t […]
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October 1, 2022 at 2:18 pm
HANG ON
By Mary-Catherine Amadu @mc_amadu
Tiny Cedar was planted in Maple’s shadow.
In September, the children scaled Maple’s branches,
basking in the setting summer sun.
“I wish they’d climb me. My branches are too prickly,” Cedar pined.
“Hang on,” Maple replied.
“For what?”
Cedar was stumped.
In October, the children delighted in the rainbow of Maple’s leafy locks,
collecting them as treasures.
“I wish I were that colorful. I’m just green.” Cedar pined.
“Hang on,” Maple whispered.
“For what?” Cedar pried.
By November, Maple stood bare,
her leaves scattered upon the ground.
Cedar felt a shred of hope. “Now I’m the tree to play with.”
But the children preferred to prance through Maple’s leaf piles.
Cedar snapped. “I give up! I’m prickly, green, and boring.
I’ll never be as beautiful or fun as you, Maple!”
“HANG ON.” Maple urged.
“It’s too hard!”
Cedar bowed in defeat.
Finally, December arrived,
as did children, carrying boxes.
“Is it your birthday, Maple?” Cedar asked.
The children paraded toward Maple and…
beyond her to Cedar!
Soon, Cedar had the twinkle back in her soul,
and everywhere else too.
“Look how green and shiny you are!” Maple admired.
Cedar gave Maple a sappy smile.
“Well, Maple, just hang on.”
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 5:57 pm
A splendid seasonal story.
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October 1, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Thank you Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:27 pm
love this friendship story!
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October 1, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Thanks Liz!
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October 23, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Everyone has their season. Cedar has a good one. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 2:14 pm
THE ROAD TAKEN
by Cheryl A. Johnson
**I kept the first words and ending punctuation of each line of Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken
Two paths branched off in an autumn wood,
And grieved I could not trek them both
And be a solo hiker, rooted I swayed
And gazed both trailheads as far as I was able
To where each curved and disappeared;
Then picked the well-worn, trusty one,
And safely went on my way,
Because I knew my much deeper self;
Though I dreamed of blazing trails, I
Had known what was best for me,
And each that sunrise offered a path
In dew draped leaves and fiery trees.
Oh, I thanked each for consideration!
Yet I wished to be a bushwhacker,
I felt arms of comfort in my choice.
I shall be sharing this with happiness
Somewhere further down the line:
Two paths diverged in an autumn wood, and I –
I found great joy in my decision,
And that made all the difference.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 6:03 pm
As a poet, hiker, and Frostophile, I love this pick-you-own-path adventure story!
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October 2, 2022 at 11:35 am
Thank you!
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October 23, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Comfort in the known. I get it. We can’t all be “throw caution to the wind” types. And that’s OK. Knowing yourself is a luxury. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 2:05 pm
I AM COMING FOR YOU (YA horror, 172 words)
By Susannah Lee
Amongst the dying vines, you knelt
Yanking and twisting, until
you liberated me
from bitter frost and endless rot.
In the long flight
from damp earth to a moonlit party
with flickering laughter and knives
your woolen arms wrapped around me
and for the first time
I felt tenderness.
I trusted you
as you leaned in
and marked me with a sharpie.
I trusted you
as you pricked me, gently at first.
I trusted you
as you sliced, slashed and hacked into me
shaping my eyes, my nose, my mouth.
Then you abandoned me
on a shabby wooden stoop
in a morass of guts and seeds.
Did you mean to leave me behind?
It doesn’t matter.
Because now
I am BURNING
My insides are on fire!
And I am coming for you.
I will scour the darkness, I will ransack every shadow, I will pull apart the night!
Until I find you.
You who harvested me, you who carved me,
You who made my soul alight—
And we will be together,
FOREVER.
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Chilling!
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October 1, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Smashing YA pulp fiction!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Thanks Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:38 pm
Yikes, super chilling!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Thank you Karyn!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Shivers!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:54 pm
yay thanks!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:29 pm
wickedly good!
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October 2, 2022 at 12:55 pm
aw thanks Liz!
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October 4, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Makes me think twice about ever carving a pumpkin again! Congratulations on creating thrills and chills with your story with a simple pumpkin as the main character.
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October 4, 2022 at 5:35 pm
Ahaha thanks Patricia! I appreciate that 🙂
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October 23, 2022 at 5:46 pm
There are definitely a few stories in this contest that make me think twice about carving a pumpkin. I had no IDEA they were such a bitter lot! LOL! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 1:38 pm
A Little While: A Reverse Poem
Image #13
https://www.allisonstrick.com/blog/fall-writing-frenzy-2022
By Allison Strick
119 words
It’s only Mom and me,
for a little while.
Brother’s getting on the bus.
Things feel different.
I sigh.
She says, “He’ll be back soon.”
No school for me–
I’m younger, littler.
In the woods,
it’s quiet, quiet,
except for our feet in the leaves.
Two sets of tracks
follow
Mom and me,
holding hands.
Crunching,
Kicking.
Pausing. Listening. Being. Turning back.
Kicking,
Crunching.
Holding hands,
Mom and me
follow
two sets of tracks.
Except for our feet in the leaves,
it’s quiet, quiet
in the woods.
I’m younger, littler–
No school for me!
She says, “He’ll be back soon.”
I sigh.
Things feel different.
Brother’s getting on the bus.
For a little while,
It’s only Mom and me.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 2:08 pm
love the reverso, it works so well!
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October 1, 2022 at 2:24 pm
This is awesome. I love the creepy feel of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 3:06 pm
This was so good! I’m always impressed by reverse poems. Well done!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:21 pm
What an extraordinary poem, Allison. You are a true reverso virtuoso.
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October 1, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Allison–you are so clever! But the poem isn’t just clever. It also works really well. Good luck in the contest.
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October 2, 2022 at 10:33 pm
Beautifully crafted!
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October 1, 2022 at 1:17 pm
FALLING LEAVES
On tip toes
she avoids waking
the sleeping
splashes of
red and
yellow
covering the path
wind brushes its
crisp breath
across
her tiny neck
just cold enough
to turn her
pale cheeks
bright red
but not cold enough
to end
her journey
of discovery
a game of
hopscotch begins
maneuvering her way
to the trees
I feel her wonder as
she tilts her head
skyward to see
what magic
is encouraging the
leaves to fall in
many
glorious
shades of color
Why not green?
she must find out
she must touch
the trees
one tenth their size
she stretches
reaching high
on the weathered trunk
and far around
as possible
to feel its
energy
to share its
history
attempting
to make herself
part of the tree
with the same
fierce hug she gives
me
turning her head
she looks at me
her smile and eyes say
“I love trees”
but instead
she calls out
“I love you Grandma”
I must hold HER
I must feel HER energy
share MY history with her
along with the
inescapable
tale of
falling leaves
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 6:35 pm
A heartfelt depiction of a child’s curiosity through the eyes of her grandma. I love” a game of/hopscotch begins.”
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October 2, 2022 at 11:40 am
Thank you, Anne!
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October 5, 2022 at 11:49 am
I love how you ties the feeling of the fall with the feeling of being in the fall of one’s days. “The inescapable tale of falling leaves.” I love it.
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October 23, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Oh, to see the world through the eyes of a child with wonder once again…one can dream. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 1:09 pm
The End
by Andi Chitty
197 words
There was something in the way the figure moved that gave me pause.
The gait was… off. Jerky, sharp… unnatural.
I stayed hidden, watching as it made its way down the dark street.
Closer.
Its cloak appeared not to rest on soft skin, but bones, and the cavernous hood masked its features in shadow.
I shrank deeper into darkness myself.
It paused at the edge of the lantern’s glow, and tilted its head…
…listening.
I held my breath, but my pounding heart roared in defiance,
Screaming my mortality to the night.
To the creature.
Its hooded head twitched in my direction, and I knew.
All the stories, the warnings I’d laughed at.
This thing… was real.
My body froze as I watched it come closer…
Closer…
It knelt.
*Alas*
A whisper of longing, its withered finger grazed my cheek.
…*the end*.
With a final sigh, the cloak crumpled to the ground.
Empty.
I gazed warily where it lay.
Beckoning.
Slowly, I lifted it onto my shoulders, and raised the hood.
As I turned down the street, I heard it… a pounding heart.
My hooded head twitched in its direction,
And I knew.
The end was my beginning.
The End
LikeLiked by 9 people
October 1, 2022 at 2:09 pm
great ending, delightfully spooky!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:25 pm
I was actually holding MY breath reading this! So much suspense! Fabulous, Andi!
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October 1, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Terrific tension building! I especially love “I shrank deeper into darkness myself./It paused at the edge of the lantern’s glow, and tilted its head…/…listening.”
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October 1, 2022 at 8:01 pm
Love the spooky ending!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:31 pm
spooktacular!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:47 am
Way to keep me on the edge of my seat, Andi!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:57 pm
great job andi!
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October 2, 2022 at 7:46 pm
I love this Andi! Gave me chills!
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October 4, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Oooooh, spooky! Well done, Andi!
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October 9, 2022 at 10:35 pm
Great ending
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October 23, 2022 at 5:54 pm
Great job, Andi! Chilling! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 12:50 pm
The End
by Sarah Claxton
(#13 – Fall)
“Hurry!” Aaron glances back, screaming at me.
The leaves and dirt his tire kicks up are making it hard to see.
We were lucky to have found the bikes, but sorry for the people who left them, they hadn’t made it. Their bodies were nothing but gnawed up bones.
I can hear the growling as the wolves gain ground. Wolves? More like monsters.
I’m going to steal a look back.
Oh no! Ouch. That was a mistake.
“Are you ok? Is there blood?”
Please don’t let there be blood.
I didn’t see the stick.
We lost a minute but I think we can still outrun them.
Claw marks on the trees, blood spatters. Don’t get distracted.
Straight ahead, we can make it.
Dirt and gravel spray, “Aaron, slow down! The cliff!”
The bike flys so high it looks like it’s about to take off, but not him.
He’s heavy. He falls fast.
I stop in time. In time for what?
Like thunder and lightning when the storm’s overhead, the growls seem quieter but closer.
Is this?
The end.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 1:11 pm
So much action and energy, Sarah! Great job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Wow! So intense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Wonderfully vivid voice! I don’t want it to be “The End” . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 25, 2022 at 8:14 am
Well written and terrifying. I don’t think this will end well for Aaron or his friend. This story really did bring out the “end” in friend. Ouch! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 12:45 pm
What’s in the pot?!
By Morgan Lau
Gurgle, burble
Bubbling brew
Orange and purple
Haunting stew
Steam rises
Wafting in the air
Oozing from the pot
Eat if you dare
Pungent, earthy
Liquid shimmer
Tickles nose with
An evil simmer
The witch cackles
Ha ha ha haaaaa
Ladle taps the bubbles
Tap tap tap taaaap
The devilish broth
Stings the eyes
Purple potato
Carrot soup surprise
Taste buds delight
Frightening veggies
The pot is empty
Warm full bellies
LikeLiked by 5 people
October 1, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Such a fun poem, Morgan! My favorite stanza was
“Pungent, earthy
Liquid shimmer
Tickles nose with
An evil simmer”
Love it!
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October 3, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Awww thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 6:51 pm
A deliciously satisfying story!
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October 3, 2022 at 8:07 pm
Thanks so much!
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October 26, 2022 at 2:38 pm
The only evil thing about this entry is that there is no recipe attached. 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 27, 2022 at 5:40 pm
LOL
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October 1, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Lessons of Old
By Laura Polasek
Shadows dance in flickering lantern glow, their playground an empty cobblestone street.
The village is hidden away, behind locked door and secured shutter.
The only sound, the wind racing down empty lanes, rattling entryways,
as if it too wished to be tucked up safe.
The offerings look incongruous next to the trappings of present day.
The blood of a cockerel, sacrificed to the mantle of the door,
a bold statement that those inside will live to see the sun rise once again.
The modern world has moved passed these forgotten lessons of old.
But in places such as this,
where families plant and grow,
each generation putting down deeper roots and growing taller from the same soil,
these learnings are not neglected or ignored.
The passage of time does not distract from the need for caution and vigilance.
For tonight, Death walks among them.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 1, 2022 at 6:55 pm
An evocative ode to the virtues of families and tradition. I love your haunting description of the wind “racing down empty lanes, rattling entryways,/as if it too wished to be tucked up safe.”
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October 1, 2022 at 8:18 pm
Thank you!
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October 26, 2022 at 2:44 pm
Very thought-provoking. In this case, it sounds like being old school is a good thing. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 26, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Thanks 🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 12:31 pm
GHOST TOWN! Inspired by the 8th picture of glowing Jack O’ Lanterns.
There once lived a little girl in a little house in a little cemetery.
Hers was the last in a row of ten little houses settled among the graves.
In this curious town, residents and ghosts lived and died side by side.
NOT in harmony.
The imposing residents annoyed the ghosts. The creepy ghosts distressed the residents.
The residents placed candles in hollowed pumpkins on their front porches. Hazy light glowed through scowling, carved faces. The menacing glares kept the ghosts away.
The little girl, while not a ghost, did not like the grotesque, frowning pumpkins either.
One misty October night, the candle at the first house extinguished.
And the second.
The ghosts gathered, anxious for haunting fun.
The third candle fizzled.
The fourth and fifth followed.
The sixth sputtered out.
The seventh and eighth, too.
The ninth dimmed. Darkened.
HAUNTING TIME!
Suddenly, at the little house at the end of the row, a pumpkin began to glow.
The golden, carved face…
… Smiled.
Shone with joy.
The little girl smiled as wide as her pumpkin.
One by one, the ghosts and residents smiled too.
From that night, the residents and ghosts lived and died side by side…
in harmony.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 2:30 pm
This was fun! I like the setting and the happy ending
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October 1, 2022 at 3:46 pm
So sweet! And the idea of ghosts and residents living side by side is so deliciously creepy!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:01 pm
Fantastic premise and fitting title!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:06 pm
Love the line – residents and ghosts lived and died side by side!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:35 pm
the power of youth, hope and joy!
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October 19, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Cute and fun! I love the happy ending!
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October 26, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Hooray for a happy ending! Love this one! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 12:29 pm
[…] Many thanks to Kaitlyn, Alyssa and Lydia for the excuse to take a break from our wordy projects for a seasonal brainstorm – RE: Fall Writing Frenzy. […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 12:26 pm
The Fateful Alleyway
by Jeannette Lee
Gertie floats. Swoops. Flies. Alone, so alone.
Desperate for a friend, she pushes and pulls, sweats and toils. Only pausing briefly after breaking a finger. If she were alive, this would hurt.
Finally, the stone comes loose.
A tripping hazard, dangerous for the unaware.
Gertie floats, swoops, flies. Ever watchful. It only takes one distracted wanderer to make a friend.
Evening comes. The wind picks up. If she were alive, she would feel the breeze against her cheek. She feels nothing but loneliness.
Finally, footsteps.
Click, clack, click, THUD.
Blood slowly leaks onto the alleyway Gertie knows too well.
A century ago, she too tripped, fell, bled.
Today, she watches her prey as another trips, falls, bleeds.
Finally, a companion.
Together, they float, swoop, fly. Ever watchful over their fateful avenue.
Ever watchful for another friend.
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:47 pm
Ooh, so creepy!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:10 pm
A spooktacular story arc skillfully sketched in one small, fateful story—and alleyway. Cue the chills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Loneliness can be a dangerous motive!
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October 19, 2022 at 6:38 pm
A great spooky Halloween story! Nice!
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October 26, 2022 at 2:55 pm
How devious Gertie is! I’m very accident prone. Maybe I have a Gertie!…@mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 12:04 pm
MAD JACK
By Jessica Watts
Mad Jack resurrects on this Halloween night
to harvest a family’s souls.
As he peers through the window, awaiting their slumber,
his features are lit like hot coals.
He’s out for revenge against two little kids
who chiseled and carved up his face.
They scooped out his innards and roasted his bits–
getting pumpkin all over the place.
Jack jimmies the lock, once the house is asleep,
with his mangled and spindly oak hands.
He scoots down the hall, not a sound to be made,
‘til the prick of his fingertip lands…
Tap…
Tap…
Creeeaaak…
The room fills with fear, but it isn’t the kids’–
it billows from Jack’s hollow head!
The children ask Jack, “What’s the matter with you?
You’re not meant to be riddled with dread.”
“You don’t understand, I’m in need of your help–
though you did use my head as a torch…
I’ll soon be forgotten, all withered and rotten,
and wasting away on your porch.”
“Oh Jack, it’s tradition on Halloween night
to create little pumpkinhead men.
But you don’t have to fret–we won’t leave you out front…
…you’ll be composted long before then.”
“WHAT?!”
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Oh, poor Jack! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Nice twist! Great idea. 🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 1:46 pm
This is great. Poor Jack.
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October 1, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Love it! The ending made me laugh out loud.
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October 1, 2022 at 7:11 pm
I approve this message!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Loved the twisted ending!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:16 pm
So good! Love the children’s response 🎃🎃
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October 2, 2022 at 7:49 pm
Hahaha this is great Jessica!! Love the rhyme and the funny ending. Poor Jack! lol
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October 19, 2022 at 6:36 pm
Cute story! I love the ending!
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October 27, 2022 at 8:42 am
Oh, thank goodne…wait, WHAT? That’s not better! LOL! Well done! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Hollowed Haiku
by Ana Kelly
Pick, peck, crack open
Halloween lights up the field
Pumpkins strewn behind
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Smashing!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Thanks, Anne!
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October 19, 2022 at 6:35 pm
Great Haiku! Nice!
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October 27, 2022 at 8:45 am
We can be many things at once: a pumpkin, a decoration, a symbol, sustenance. Lovely! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 11:55 am
BONAPARTE’S HALLOWEEN VALENTINE (Bonaparte’s Hal-entine)
by Stephanie Jackson
The wind rattled Bonaparte’s rib cage.
Without his long-lost love Bonita,
death was bonely-lonely.
October was the hardest…
Spider silk laced all the porches.
Pumpkins rotted.
Leaves cackled and cracked in the wind.
He’d tried dating apps. Marrow escape!
The museum. Too old.
The bone orchard. Too fresh and fleshy.
No luck…
yet.
Bonaparte wasn’t desperate, but he was out of ideas…
so he dressed in his bone-best
and journeyed to the skullibrary.
It was seven stories high.
“If the answer isn’t here, it’s nowhere,” Bonaparte said.
“What’s the question?” asked the first librarian.
Bonaparte wasn’t sure.
Five more librarians tried to help.
He read their suggestions and took notes.
[The Bare Bones of Love]… Stand tall.
[Skull Over Heels]… Take the risk.
[Boneheads for Love]… Never give up.
One floor left. Should he try?
Nah.
As the sunlight faded,
Bonaparte pushed the elevator button.
He opened his notebook.
Stand tall.
He straightened his bow tie.
Take the risk.
He took the stairs.
“Where’s the librarian?”
“Gone.”
Never give up.
“Where?” asked Bonaparte.
“The skull-pture garden.”
It was her!
Bonita.
This was the bona fide love he’d been looking for.
Milk bath for two? Bonus.
[The end
boneginning].
LikeLiked by 4 people
October 1, 2022 at 3:49 pm
LOL! Love the wordplay. Well done, Bonaparte!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Spider silk laced all the porches . . . I adore this description!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:15 pm
Incredibly imaginative! I love “Spider silk laced all the porches.”
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October 7, 2022 at 1:13 pm
So very clever!
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October 19, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Cute and clever!
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October 27, 2022 at 8:50 am
Hooray for love! So glad he didn’t give up! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 11:35 am
Don’t tell the cat (picture #6 Halloween – credit Sarah Plfug for Burst)
By Tiffany Hanson (196 words)
I’m going to a costume party. Don’t tell the cat.
The cat isn’t invited. The last time she came to a party she brought a live mouse!
It’s a Halloween party. Don’t tell the cat. When I went trick-or-treating without her last year, she put kitty litter in my bed.
No tricks allowed. Just lots of treats. Seriously, don’t tell her. Have you ever tried to get the smell of kitty litter out of a blanket?
There will be games and music. If the cat asks, I’m at the vet.
And did I mention the treats? So, the cat can’t know, okay? Or I’ll end up with kitty litter in my dog bowl this time.
Time to ring the doorbell and say the secret password.
“Bark, bark!”
“Meow.”
“Woof?”
The door opens. The cat is standing on the other side dressed like—me. Dog costume complete with cape and a dog mask. But I can see her cat eyes through the mask.
“I left some kitty litter in the punch bowl. They haven’t found it yet. They think I’m your twin.”
If they find out, I’ll never be invited back. Shhhh! Don’t tell ON the cat.
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 12:07 pm
I love the mischievous feline character! Great Job!
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October 1, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Ha ha ha! This is super cute.
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October 1, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Hehe naughty cat.
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October 1, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Hilarious!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:18 pm
Vivacious voice and excellent reversal!
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October 5, 2022 at 6:13 pm
What a clever cat, I have two of my own, the cat in disguise as a dog…love the secret password “Bark, bark!” “Meow.” and then “Woof?” like are you really a dog?
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October 19, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Adorable and a lot of fun! Nice!
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October 27, 2022 at 8:57 am
Cats just doing what cats do best. LOL! So funny! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 11:08 am
PETER PETER’S PUMPKIN SHELLS
Marty McCormick Bellis
Peter Peter pumpkin baker
loved his job as chief pie maker.
Scooped the pulp out, cooked it well,
roasted seeds and carved each shell.
Grinning pumpkins filled the shop,
Until his boss cried, “This must stop!”
So Peter took the shells outside,
and day by day they multiplied.
On Halloween, he lit them all –
A glowing grinning pumpkin wall.
But after Halloween, what next?
Peter pondered, quite perplexed.
Until a kitten wandered in,
meowing sadly, much too thin.
Peter fed the little stray,
Hoping in his heart she’d stay.
She crawled inside a pumpkin shell
and there he kept her very well.
But pumpkin shells don’t last forever.
They decompose with time and weather.
So kitten found a sweeter space –
a cozy bed at Peter’s place!
By day she watches as he bakes;
By night they eat the treats he makes.
And always they keep empty shells
for those who need a place to dwell.
The pumpkin wall’s known far and wide –
and often fully occupied.
LikeLiked by 16 people
October 1, 2022 at 11:11 am
Ok–if I don’t see this as an actual picture book, I will be sorely disappointed. Well done!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 1, 2022 at 5:12 pm
What a lovely comment 🙂 Thanks so much, Carrie!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:15 am
This is adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:13 pm
Thanks so much, Jesica!
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October 1, 2022 at 9:10 pm
I love this!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:51 am
I agree with Carrie; this is tight and fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Thanks for your comment, Stephanie; appreciate it!
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October 1, 2022 at 12:06 pm
💕 Peter Peter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Thanks, Ana!
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October 1, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Excellent. Great play on a familiar nursery rhyme, and wonderful meter. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Thank you so much, Gayle.
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October 1, 2022 at 1:53 pm
This is awesome. Great story
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 2:13 pm
so entertaining! I am in awe of your excellent meter!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:24 pm
I appreciate your kind comments. Thank you
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October 1, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Thank you, Claudine!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Thank you, Claudine.
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October 1, 2022 at 2:39 pm
This is adorable!🎃🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Thanks, Laurie!
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October 1, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Super cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Thanks for taking time to comment!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Excellent retelling! Better than the original, IMO.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Awww, thank you so much, Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:16 pm
The meter is perfect, and the story is adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 9:52 pm
I appreciate your lovely comments! Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:05 pm
What a cute play on Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater! Great job!
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 2, 2022 at 9:53 pm
Thanks for reading and commenting, Julie!
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October 2, 2022 at 7:52 pm
This is SO sweet! I love it! Agree with other commenter that this should be a full picture book! You’ve got the magic touch with rhyme too. Well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 2, 2022 at 9:55 pm
You all are really making my day! Thanks for the encouragement and positivity! It was such fun to write!
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October 4, 2022 at 7:26 pm
I think this is my favorite yet–sweet story, great play on tradition, and completely adorable!
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October 4, 2022 at 10:01 pm
Wow, thank you so much, Melanie! Your comments are greatly appreciated.
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October 5, 2022 at 10:27 pm
awesome
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October 6, 2022 at 11:11 am
Thank you 🙂
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October 16, 2022 at 3:50 pm
“And often fully occupied.” Oh. So sweet! My heart just exploded. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 16, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Awww, thank you for your comment.
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October 19, 2022 at 6:31 pm
This is adorable! I found myself singing along!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:59 am
SKELETEEN PROBS
By: Lori Keating
“You have to graduate skullege and that’s final,” Dad rattles.
“Ahhh, Dad, no. I am planning to leave right after high-skull. Because I have to see other cemeteries. I am bone to be wild.”
“Scarah Shiverman, over my dead body! You have to understand, you don’t have the guts to make it in this world.”
“You just want to bury my dreams,” Scarah cracks back, throwing her radiuses in the air. “But I won’t let you!” Clicking her way to her bone-room, she takes out her skull-phone and calls her best friend.
“Hi, Oribia, grrr, my dad is killing me! He doesn’t get that we want to drive a convertibrae at Boney Island and take skelfies on the bonewalk.”
“Or eat spineapple on the beach while we sit on our tailbones and work on our skele-tans,” clatters Oribia.
“Brae, seriously! We need to just get on a scare-plane and go to Paris and do something we’ve never done. Like, party on the tombstones at Père Lachaise.”
“Screech it, Scarah! Or go see The Zombies in the underground raves at the Catacombs so we can meet cute boys that think we’re fibula-ous and send tingles up our spines.”
“OMG, YASS, Ghoul!”
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 11:06 am
So much teenage drama in the afterlife–I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 11:14 am
Thanks, Carrie!
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October 1, 2022 at 12:53 pm
So much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:52 am
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 1:04 pm
Very clever. Loved all the skeletony words. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:51 am
Thank you, Gayle!
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October 1, 2022 at 1:55 pm
This is brilliantly written
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Thanks so much, Claudine!
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October 1, 2022 at 1:56 pm
This is brilliantly written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 2:38 pm
Such great word play!🧡🩻
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:48 am
Thank you, Laurie!
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October 1, 2022 at 2:43 pm
So fun! I love all the puns and word play.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:50 am
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:39 pm
What clever wordplay! Great fun 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:50 am
Thanks so much, Marty!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:27 pm
Incredible voice? I love the last line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:46 am
Thank you, Anne!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:19 pm
Love the word play and teenage dialogue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:49 am
Thanks so much!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:41 pm
Ribilicious- so good to the bone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 8:47 am
Haha! Thanks, Liz!
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October 19, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Cute, clever, and a lot of fun! Nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2022 at 7:37 pm
Thanks so much, Jill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 28, 2022 at 8:36 am
What came to you first? The last line or the story? Because it’s perfect for this story. Haha! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 28, 2022 at 9:13 am
The story came to me first, ha! Thank you!
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November 1, 2022 at 6:58 am
Love the word play and teenage angst—brilliant!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:49 am
The Haunted Road – 200 words
They say this road is haunted, but I disagree. It’s silly nonsense.
I walk this way home from school every day, and the only thing I have ever found here is Fred.
Fred is a tree. He is my best friend.
The other kids won’t walk this road, but I am used to being alone.
I’m an outcast.
At school, no one ever talks to me,
Or sits with me at lunch,
Or plays with me at recess,
I’m pretty much invisible.
“Hey Fred, did you have a good day?” Fred creaks and moans as I climb high in his branches. His leaves are starting to change.
“Looks like it’s just us today…there’s a new boy at school.” I smiled wide at the thought. “Maybe we will be friends.”
CRUNCH-crunch
I hear footsteps below.
It’s the new boy—he looks up smiling. I shake a few leaves from the branches. He laughs as the red leaves swirl around him.
Here’s my chance.
I climb down and jokingly shout, “BOO!”
The boy screams in a blood-curdling way and runs.
“Don’t say it, Fred.” I state the obvious, “I see my mistake. Boo is NOT a good word choice for a ghost.”
LikeLiked by 7 people
October 1, 2022 at 11:37 am
I love the twist at the end. Good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Ohh great writing. Love the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Great twist ending! Love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Love your wonderfully relatable ghost who is ghosted!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Great ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 2, 2022 at 11:40 am
I cracked up at that ending! Great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 11, 2022 at 9:25 pm
WOAH! I did *not* see that coming. Love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 13, 2022 at 7:41 pm
Fun with a sprinkle of creepy. Nice blend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 19, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Adorable! I love the ending!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 28, 2022 at 8:42 am
Fab-BOO-lous ending! Love it! 🙂 @mowrex (Twitter)
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 1, 2022 at 8:35 am
How cute! I love this outcast ghost. I’m glad he at least has Fred, but maybe he’ll learn a new word and make a friend.
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October 1, 2022 at 9:30 am
A Fall Mystery (185 words)
by
Glenda Roberson
As nights cool down, the leaves display
what lies beneath the green.
The brighter pigments come to life
that up till now weren’t seen.
We welcome all the warmer tones
that burst toward the sky.
But something happens I don’t get—
I’ll always wonder why.
A freaky-weird phenomenon
occurs this time each year.
It’s pumpkin spice for everything.
That’s all you ever hear.
I understand the science of
the pigments in the leaves.
But I don’t get the boundless love
that pumpkin spice receives.
From donut holes and coffee drinks,
to milkshakes by the ton.
From Oreos to Cheerios,
you name it and it’s done.
There’s pumpkin spice in body wash,
and candles everywhere.
Good grief, it’s in the booty wipes
for baby’s derrière!
Seems nuts to me, this mystery
afflicting folks each fall.
Especially now with pumpkin Peeps,
the grossest thing of all.
It’s all a bit ridiculous,
but here’s the worst one yet:
deodorant that’s pumpkin-spiced . . .
you smell like spicy sweat!
Go right ahead and buy that junk.
I cannot fathom why.
‘Cause if I wanted pumpkin spice,
I’d eat some pumpkin pie!
LikeLiked by 6 people
October 1, 2022 at 10:15 am
“Pumpkin Peeps” – lol. This is too cute!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:31 am
Thank you! I had so much fun writing it.
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October 1, 2022 at 10:53 am
Thank you for the giggle!
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October 1, 2022 at 10:58 am
So happy you enjoyed it!
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October 1, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Made me smile. Such fun writing
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October 1, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Glenda, I LOLed all the way through this! Each stanza was my favorite! So well done!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:43 pm
Thanks so much, Laurie!
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October 1, 2022 at 3:54 pm
So clever–and so true!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Love your voice. Thanks for this . . . so true!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:42 pm
Thank you so much!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:48 pm
An incredibly original sweet and spicy treat!
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October 1, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Thank you, Anne! Just read your terrific entry. Well done!
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October 2, 2022 at 8:05 pm
Hilarious! Love the booty wipes line 🙂
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October 2, 2022 at 8:46 pm
Thank you, Lindsey!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:20 am
Totally agree. Love this!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:24 am
Thanks!
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October 7, 2022 at 1:12 pm
A mystery indeed as to why anyone would want pumpkin spice Cheerios… fun story
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October 8, 2022 at 11:37 am
Thanks, Jaime!
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October 28, 2022 at 8:46 am
The grossest thing of all…LOL! The peeps battle wages on. Ya love ’em or ya hate ’em. I guess I know which camp you’re in. This was very fun. Loved reading it. Best of luck to you! @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 28, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Awwww, thanks so much!!
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November 1, 2022 at 8:38 am
I do love me some pumpkin spice, but I agree. It’s been taken to the extreme. And you’ve described it so perfectly in your poem. Booty wipes! Hilarious! Nice job!
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November 1, 2022 at 10:04 am
Thanks so much! I giggled the entire time I wrote it.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:57 am
Little Autumn
By Claudine Pullen
Little Autumn plays her magical flute as she skips down the undulating lane. She pauses and tilts her head towards the sky. Mouth ajar, enveloped in a canopy of marmalade leaves. She hurries towards the tallest tree and flings her little arms around her old friend.
“Welcome Autumn,” the old tree croaks, outstretched branches.
The days grow short and the cold sets in.
“It’s time,” whispers Autumn. The tree nods knowingly…
The magical flute begins the woodland song. The trees gently sway.
The whistling wind hears the melody and comes to take a peek. Weaving through the branches she wakes the sleepy leaves. But the trees cling on for one last embrace.
Then slowly, ever so slowly the trees let go. One by one the leaves’ final performance commences….
The leaves dance. Fluttering around like graceful butterflies. Their mesmerizing hues of orange and red glide through the air. Glistening as if kissed by the sun. Twirling and swirling all landing softly on the ground.
Autumn bows her head as she watches the final show. Then gives the tree one last embrace before she skips away.
LikeLiked by 8 people
October 1, 2022 at 9:36 am
Beautiful prose creating beautiful images in my head!
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October 1, 2022 at 9:45 am
Thank you so much.
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October 1, 2022 at 11:38 am
Very poetic and beautiful.
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October 1, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Thank you 🙂
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October 1, 2022 at 7:53 pm
A symphony for the senses! I especially love your ingenious notion of Autumn playing a magical flute and your “marmalade leaves” imagery.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:51 pm
Thank you for your kind words
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October 2, 2022 at 10:20 am
So whimsical! Love it!
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October 2, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Thanks Dani 🙂 your critique was soo helpful.
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October 2, 2022 at 11:17 am
Adorable, Claudine! Good luck!
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October 2, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Thank you so much 🙂
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October 3, 2022 at 11:18 am
Love the colors!
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October 3, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Thank you so much.
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October 5, 2022 at 5:51 pm
Love the phrase and imagery of “ever so slowly the trees let go…” of their leaves…and this idea of a performance in the changing of the seasons. I’m reminded that plants go through a dormant period in deciduous trees before new growth occurs and this includes “letting go” of old growth.
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October 7, 2022 at 8:31 am
Thank you Eric. I’m so glad you loved the phrase and imagery and the idea. I’m so grateful for your feedback.
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October 23, 2022 at 8:39 am
This was lovely! There’s no season as mesmerizing as Autumn.
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October 23, 2022 at 9:30 am
Thank you so much
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October 28, 2022 at 8:51 am
This has the feeling of a new folk tale for kids to believe this is the way trees lose their leaves in the fall. So sweet! @mowrex (Twitter)
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November 1, 2022 at 8:41 am
I love this magical depiction of the season. Nice work!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:50 am
Yay! So excited to read all of this year’s entries!
I linked mine in the Google Docs form, but here it is, as well:
https://www.elizabethjameswrites.com/news/fallwritingfrenzy-2022-contest-entry-the-gift/
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 1, 2022 at 8:44 am
Wall of Lanterns
by Liz Hanson
I heard the noise inside the gate,
a steady rap tap tap
of jack o’lanterns filled with ember
precariously stacked.
They watched me gazing and lit a fire
inside my stubborn head.
Their voices calling, there was no mistaking,
what lured me from my bed.
Each night I heard their frightening chorus,
riding on a gale.
A lump was rising in my throat.
Would I live to tell this tale?
While some will bob for apples,
or collect their tricks and treats,
there can be only one real reason,
why I came to walk this street.
I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,
I made mistakes, I fear.
I’ve tried my best to change for the good,
to improve year after year.
But when Janine went missing last autumn,
and Justin the fall before.
I knew the origin of these eerie sounds
and what could be in store.
I stared at Janine’s glowing face,
her braces still intact.
I questioned if I saw my future.
Was I never going back?
A breathy voice said soft, yet gritty,
“What are you waiting for?”
I knew right then that I could do better,
much better than before.
LikeLiked by 3 people
October 1, 2022 at 9:31 am
I love it!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:12 am
So creepy and ambiguous!
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October 6, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Super creepy and goooood!
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October 16, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Uh oh. I don’t think this will end well. @mowrex (Twitter)
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October 1, 2022 at 8:41 am
Creepy and humorous. Love it! Very creative.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:50 am
My above comment was for Nicollette’s poem Bone Broth. Off for a cup of coffee now.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:41 am
The King’s Minions
By Emily Durant
The Pumpkin King stood in a field, in the night
Foreseeing the terror, the screams, and the fright
He patiently fitted his pieces together
He carved a crude smile and took note of the weather
His time had arrived for that savage desire
He lit out o’er the field, and within him, a fire
But the crows in the sky circled ‘round him with greed
They perched on his arms and they pecked at his seed
They soiled his head and disfigured his features
The Pumpkin King schemed how to handle these creatures
So next, when they landed, he used his stick hands
To encircle their legs with two stiff, knotted bands
He bound the crows to him with string as a shackle
Named one of them Caw and the other one Cackle
With the pestering avians at his command,
The nightmarish evening could go on as planned
He pushed through the field like a menacing plow
With no fear of the birds—
They worked for him now.
LikeLiked by 10 people
October 1, 2022 at 9:39 am
Clever and spooky!
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October 1, 2022 at 12:00 pm
I love this, so clever! Great Job!
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October 2, 2022 at 8:01 pm
This is SO good! I love Caw and Cackle.
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October 3, 2022 at 11:10 am
The Pumpkin King really put them in their place!
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October 3, 2022 at 11:57 am
So perfectly spooky!
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October 23, 2022 at 8:35 am
I loved this!
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October 28, 2022 at 8:57 am
So many good lines, I don’t know where to start! Fantastic work!! @mowrex (Twitter)
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November 1, 2022 at 8:32 am
Every baddy needs minions. I can perfectly picture this trio. Scary!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:38 am
https://booktails1.blogspot.com/2022/10/fall-writing-frenzy-2022-ghastly-ghost.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 1, 2022 at 8:05 am
A Fairy Tale Come True
Elizabeth Volkmann
Upon this lane
long ago
a girl met a wolf.
He admired her red velvet cap,
she, his thick grey coat.
Side by side they wandered –
picking wildflowers,
naming birdsong,
chasing butterflies.
When hunger beckoned
they devoured
her hamper of victuals,
then gazed at shifting clouds.
Feeling at ease,
she confided her concern
for her granny,
sick-abed,
and he, his worry
for his mate,
far away.
Under the spell
of sunshine
and grass,
the wolf dozed.
By the twitch of his paws,
the wag of his tail,
the upward curve of his mouth
she knew he dreamt –
of his home,
of his mate,
and the promise of pups.
With a yawn
and a stretch,
their stroll resumed.
They gathered
autumn offerings –
berries and nuts,
mushrooms and hips –
a present
for her granny.
She wrapped ’round
a crown
of sweet smelling grass –
asters and herbs –
a gift
for his mate.
Before long
and far too soon
the lane split-
one way for the wolf,
the other, for the girl.
Eye to eye,
nose to nose,
paw in hand –
the two shared
whispered wishes
of happiness
forever
after –
before
each turned
and made their way
towards home.
LikeLiked by 12 people
October 1, 2022 at 8:10 am
Beth ~ this is a beautiful reimagining of a familiar dark tale into one of love and friendship. Gorgeous & well done–good luck in the contest.
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October 1, 2022 at 11:41 am
Great re-telling of a familiar tale. Well done.
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October 1, 2022 at 11:41 am
Thanks for sharing a sweet red riding hood inspired story!
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October 1, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Beautiful story!
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October 1, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Wow, Beth, this is beautiful and inspired! Nicely done!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:32 pm
Lovely lyricism that turns our expectations on their *hood.*
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October 3, 2022 at 11:03 am
Such a sweet reimagining of a dark tale.
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October 4, 2022 at 8:55 am
Oh. This is stunning. What a beautiful work.
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October 4, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Beth, your version of this fairy tale is gorgeously written. Bravo!
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October 11, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Awww I love this! It’s such a sweet take on the original, and I think it’s so sweet.
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October 20, 2022 at 9:06 am
I love the fairytale tone. Beautiful!
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October 1, 2022 at 8:05 am
Bone Broth
by Nicolette Nuytten
A bad thing happened to Dana McDeep,
She got in the bath and fell fast asleep.
While she was snoozing, her foot hit the plug,
And the water went oozing out like a slug.
(It makes me shudder just telling you—ugh!)
First, her long hair was sucked off of her head,
And what happened next fills me with dark dread,
The swirling pull took her fingers and toes,
The whirling tug took her teeth and her nose.
And other things she must miss, I suppose.
The drain gave a gurgle when it was done,
Poor Dana had lost, the bathtub had won,
Her skeletal moans make children cower,
Her squeaky-clean bones were left un-devoured,
And that is why I only take showers.
LikeLiked by 17 people
October 1, 2022 at 8:06 am
I love this so much! Twisted, funny, and all in fantastic rhyme. Good luck in the contest.
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October 1, 2022 at 8:12 am
Thank you! ❤
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October 1, 2022 at 9:41 am
Oh, creepy and clever!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:24 am
Thank you! ❤
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October 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Love this SO much. Bravo!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:32 pm
❤ ❤ ❤
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October 1, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Great rhyme, great imagery and SO much fun.
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October 1, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 4:54 pm
Thanks for sharing this super creepy story with us for the fall writing frenzy!
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October 1, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Thank you! The prompt images were great.
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October 1, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Oh so funny, I love your last line! Great job!
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October 2, 2022 at 8:04 am
Thank you!
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October 1, 2022 at 11:38 pm
Scary-larious! Your imagery (like “swirling pull,” “whirling tug,” and “squeaky-clean bones”) is spot-on!
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October 2, 2022 at 8:05 am
Aww, thank you! I had fun!
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October 2, 2022 at 2:45 am
Very fun! Love it!
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October 2, 2022 at 8:05 am
Thank you!
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October 3, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Super subversive fun! Clever!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Thank you!
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October 3, 2022 at 4:40 pm
I love this clever, rhyming story! Gret job!
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October 3, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Aw, thanks!
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October 4, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Super creepy!! Nice rhyme and a clever last line!!
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October 4, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Thank you!
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October 5, 2022 at 5:34 pm
fun and creepy…I prefer showers now…lol
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October 23, 2022 at 11:44 am
Thank you!
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October 7, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Love this!! Particularly your title
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October 8, 2022 at 10:55 am
Hee hee, thank you! I love soup.
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October 8, 2022 at 10:12 am
So creepy, I love it!
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October 8, 2022 at 11:01 am
Thank you!
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October 11, 2022 at 11:19 am
This is great! 🙂
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October 17, 2022 at 8:41 am
Thank you!
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October 20, 2022 at 9:03 am
Love the punch line!
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October 23, 2022 at 11:44 am
Hehehe, thank you!
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October 23, 2022 at 8:32 am
I’ll never take a bath again! Good luck!
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October 23, 2022 at 11:43 am
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 2 people