The Spawn of Jack

Beware ol' Lantern they call Jack
For that's not all he be
A most wicked, churlish hatchet man
He carves and chops with glee!

On Halloween he haunts the town
With his minions by his side
Such crafty Cucurbita-heads
Sired by the gourd with pride!

These devils like to slice and dice
And poke and prod and etch
All wayward, silly children
They're fortunate to fetch!

So, parents, be so careful
Keep your little ones in sight
For Jack and his small protégés
Are seeking you tonight!

For, if you become captured
I cannot tell a lie
You might be spiced and seasoned
And baked in pumpkin pie!

Or you might be liquefied
And fermented into brew
Jack and kin swig human-ales
Made with malt and hops and YOU!

Be smart and ever vigilant
Desist from rotten deeds
So, when these evil squash expire
WE'LL ROAST AND SALT THEIR SEEDS!

***

Theo J. van Joolen©2014