Jack Be Nimble

By N.O.A. Rawle

“…Jack be quick, Jack become the candlestick!” Frank chanted his earworm.

“Don’t!”Jenny wailed at Jack-o’ lantern’s grin.

“It’s just a pumpkin.”

Indignation flickered in Jack’s grimace.

“Let’s Trick or Treat!” Frank hollered, bounding off through a whirl of leaves.
Jack smiled on.

Once the kids were tucked in, a breath of wind whipped Jack onto the leaf pile below their window.

In his tinder bed, Jack sucked in oxygen from the chill autumnal air, then he exhaled. Flames crackled and dark, hollow pumpkin laughter cackled.

“I am nimble and I am quick,
more than just a candlestick!”