Jack the Reaper

Jack used to be a stingy trickster
who earned the Devil’s enmity.

He had only a lighted turnip
to tote for all eternity.

Then the Devil gave Jack a job,
to harvest souls for his nether place.

He swings his scythe to and fro,
while a hood enshrouds his hardened face.

Jack never knows a lazy day.
Where he goes there’s always Hell to pay!

Comments

This is a traditional-style poem that can be used to set a Halloween mood. It treats two characters who are prominent denizens of the Otherworld—Stingy Jack of jack-o’-lantern fame and the Grim Reaper. The poem speculates about what would happen if the unreliable Stingy Jack actually obtained a “productive” job in the Otherworld. Yes, Stingy Jack would become “Jack the Reaper.” He’s busier now but still hardened against time, pain and souls.

Gary Davis loves all things classic horror. He has published poetry, including haiku, in Aphelion, The Vampire’s Crypt, Tales of the Talisman, Bloodbond, Illumen, Scifaikuest, Star*Line, Tales from the Moonlit Path, Spaceports & Spidersilk, The Hungur Chronicles and a sci-fi anthology, Kepler’s Cowboys (2000-2024). He has also published ten short stories, mostly about Halloween and vampires (2016-2024).

Find more by Gary Davis in the Author Index.