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!

All Are Welcome Here

by Marilyn Wolpin (for #FallWritingFrenzy2021)

As summer exhaled into fall, a new family moved in:

Two cats and a dog, mom and dad and three kids.

They brought challah and kugel,

Brisket, babka, and wine.

China adorned a table of white linen.

Flames flickered in silver candlesticks.

Recite the prayer. Welcome the New Year.

But where could they daven and sway?

Up on the hill, a lonely church sat,

cushioned in crisp fallen leaves.

She prayed for her pews to be packed.

But only on Sundays were her prayers answered

when townsfolk came to sing the Lord’s praises.

On Monday, Tuesday, or any other day,

the little church sat empty.

Could we? Should we? Would it be allowed?

They looked to the skies for a sign.

As the sun slowly set, a rainbow arched over them.

The family made ready to go.

In Sabbath-best clothes, in polished shoes and smart hats,

they crunched up the leafy hill.

The lonely church watched. The lonely church waited.

She puffed dust off the unused pews.

Someone was coming to pray.

As the family drew near, she opened her doors.

She rejoiced! Hallelujah! she cried.

All are welcome here.