Category: contest

Honorable Mention – 2024 Halloweensie Contest

It isn’t often that I win anything. But I won an Honorable Mention for Spookiest/Creepiest entry. The rules were to write an October/Halloween type story in 100 words or less using three prompt words: chill, tiptoe, and goblin. And here is what I concocted. Thank you to Susanna Leonard Hill and her judges for the honor!

WHO’S THERE?
by Marilyn Wolpin

As autumn nights take chilly hold,

My sorry tale can now be told.

For on this night not long ago,

I lost my life with one harsh blow!

Now I dress from crown to sole

In goblin’s black with just one goal!

To tiptoe silent up their stair,

To ring their bell – they’ll shout, “Who’s there?!”

“BOO!” and “WOO!” I’ll wail and shriek.

I’ll make the floorboards crack and creak!

With ghoulish glee I’ll watch them quake.

Oh, how they’ll pay for their mistake.

For in my blacks I can’t be seen –

I’m the vengeful ghost of Halloween!

The Grumpy Valentine

by Marilyn Wolpin (For Susannah Hill’s Valentiny Contest February 2021)

Hearts. Roses.
Glitter. Glue.
Bah! Phooey!
Not me. Ewww!

Teacher says,
“Make a valentine for everyone.”
I won’t do it. No, I won’t.
I don’t like anyone.
And no one likes me.

I cross my arms.
I scowl. I pout.
“Cut out hearts. Color them in.”
Nope. I won’t.
No one gets a heart from me.
You’ll see.

Wait! What’s this?
An envelope?
“Will you be my valentine?”
Signed Emily?

Someone likes me?
Emily? I like her.
She sings out loud.
She swings a wicked baseball bat.
I play baseball. I sing. Sorta.

Where’s my crayon?
Where’s my heart?
“Will you …
be my …
valentine?”

Glitter, glue.
Now I’m through.
I sit and stare at the scribbly-scrabble.
Will she like it?
A little bit?

I stare. I sit.
I think. I blink.
Can I give it?
Do I dare?

Finally …
I inch up
to her chair.
There.

Ollie’s Christmas Visits

by Marilyn Wolpin (for Susannah Hill’s Christmas contest December 2020)

Christmas day at break of dawn
Ollie barks, “Please let me out.”
Down the steps, across the lawn
He’s starting on his route.

Ollie has a job today:
Help bring on a smile,
In his very special way:
His friendship for a while.

Almost there – around the bend,
She’s waiting at the door.
Gray-haired Mrs. Townsend,
He’ll make her smile – and more!

With outstretched arms
She hugs her friend –
A dog with charms
That never end.

Ollie’s visit here is done.
He knows it’s time to go.
He hates to wag and hug then run,
But one more friend is lonely, so –

Off he goes,
Around the block.
Ollie knows
He’s on the clock.

Mr. Tom waits home alone,
Sometimes his days are sad.
It’s tough when you are on your own —
But Ollie makes him glad.

Tom shares a delicious treat
and throws a bouncing ball.
He says, “Ollie, you’re so sweet
to make this special call.”

But Ollie has more work to do,
Another lonesome friend to greet.
A green backyard to cut through
And just across the street.

Mr. Green lives all alone.
No children or a mate.
He never chatters on the phone.
Ollie bustles through the gate.

Mr. Green wheels to the door,
And ushers his guest in.
Ollie helps him with a chore,
And watches his friend grin.

Christmas day is fading fast.
His neighbors now are cheered up.
Helping’s fun. He’s had a blast!
But Ollie’s now a hungry pup.

Ollie’s finished spreading joy.
But he needs mom’s help now.
Hugs, rubs, and “Who’s a good boy?”
And a bowl of puppy chow.

Author’s Note: This story was inspired by a real-life 14-year old blind and deaf golden retriever named Oliver who spends his days visiting his neighbors. The people in the poem are pure fiction.