Stanzas: Monthly Chapbooks December 2014: Winter | Page 10

Jack
Emer Hayes
The last leaves of autumn summon him
To sneak around in the dead of night,
Caressing the windows of homes
And leaving only his breath.
His claws remain a grip on rooves
To keep the warmth at bay.
When he calls you think “the wind,”
But he too has gone away.
He is a creature of mischief
And makes trophies of your toes.
When you hear the call of Jack
It’s best to head in home.
Light a fire to melt him away
He’s frightened most of heat.
Wrap up in scarves and hats and gloves
Avoid the chattering of teeth
Hide in piles of blankets
And build a fortress of books.
Who needs to go outside?
Let him have his nights.
Keep cups of coffee in your hands
And he’ll stay hidden out of sight.

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