constructing poetry

kallikantzaros

in the middle of the earth is a cave
where the world tree grows
the kallikantzaroi chop at it—
just why? nobody knows.
they try to make the world fall down
for mischief—I suppose.

but Christmas eve begins a siege
that lasts for twelve dark nights
when kallikantzaroi leave their sawing down
because there’s little light—
instead, they come to reign in mischief
with bumbling skill and might

they slip like shadows into towns
and cities found in Greece
those naked men with long dark tails
and blind eyes never cease
to creep into each happy home
just to disturb its peace.

where kitchens once were spick and span
they leave a royal mess,
they block up chimneys, sour milk,
and then they’ll reassess
to see what other awful things
would cause the max distress.

but grannies know the ways and means
to stop them, don’t you see?
a colander placed at the door
will keep a household free—
they’ll stop to count the holes, but never,
ever count to three.

a log to burn for twelve long nights
will stop those goblins, too.
they’re scared of the sun and holy water
and burning, stinky shoes,
and so, to keep them far away
is quite easy to do.

and when Epiphany dawns bright and clear
their siege at last is ended.
they slink back into the world tree’s cave
to find it whole. all mended.
and so they snarl and raise their saws
to chop it down again.

line count: 42

Prompt 9 ▼

Theme: Christmas Traditions Around the World. (go for the obscure!) Pick somewhere you've never been. Research and then write your poem about a Christmas tradition (up through New Year's) practiced there now or in the past..
Words to use: The name of the country you pick, the tradition
Forbidden words: none but be creative!
Must rhyme

Obviously, I picked a Greek traditional mischief maker, the kallikantzaroi (kallikantzaros is singular). I used most of what I found in various places in the poem, but anyone who's interested in learning more, my major source was this website:

https://greekerthanthegreeks.blogspot.com/2014/12/greek-christmas-customs-tradit...