Jack and the Tree

Treading cautiously through the night,

up the hill and out of sight.

Through the graveyard, Jack did climb,

through the haunts and through the grime.

At the top, there stood a tree

high enough for all to see.

But while the people were asleep,

the tree would wake to take a peep.

People don't stay up at night

for fear the dark would come and bite.

By the time the sun has set

all were tucked up in their beds.

But one night, the tree did find

a little boy still out at nine.

Twisting his roots into the ground,

coiling his trunk, he turned around.

Poor little Jack, who was running away

was rooted on the spot and began to sway

as the mighty tree atop of the hill

began to dance and twist and twirl.

"Oh little boy, why are you awake?"

the tree said and Jack began to shake.

"Oh please, Mr. Tree, don't make me stay.

All I want to do is run far away!"

The tree took Jack's frightened hand

and led him back to his snoring land.

All night, they listened to the sleeping voices

and he taught Jack how to make scary noises.

And now every night, the villagers hear

another noise that tingles their fears;

because that is when Jack and the tree

come out for their nightly haunting spree!

By: Rosina Ellis, DMU.

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