I may be too old for trick-or-treating, but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t have a little boo-rific fun. And as I’m pretty fond of Edgar Allan Poe and poetry and Susanna Leonard Hill’s writing contests, it all came together. In a hundred words or less.
The (Scaredy) Cat
Once upon a midnight spooky, while I roamed in my Suzuki,
Looking for my black cat, lost among the trees.
I thought I heard a mewing, or was it more like booing?
A booing ever softly, whistling through the breeze.
“H-hello?” I asked the dark, the shadows in the park.
When suddenly a cackle sounded in my ear.
And then I caught a peek, of something black—it streaked!
Across the grass, and sprang onto the floor!
I nearly jumped out of my skin, as it settled down right in—
my lap. Sweet dreams, kitty. But for me, nevermore!
There’s still time for you to jump in and join the Halloween fun! As for me, I think I deserve a Butterfinger. Or six.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Oh, cute poem Miss Cathy! I’ve never been very good with poetry, but I think I might try it because you make it look so easy! 🙂
Aw, thanks, Katie! I went to bed last night after writing this, then jumped back out of bed at 12:24 to rewrite a few lines that suddenly came to me. That sort of thing was easier when I was younger! 🙂
At least one Butterfinger! Fun entry 🙂
Thanks, Penny! I should have a Butterfingers ratings system on the blog. 1=good, 3=great, 6=Just go ahead and give me the award, already! 🙂
This is delightful! What a wonderful twist on Poe. I love it. Great job!
Thanks, Cheryl! I hope Poe isn’t twisting in his grave after this! 🙂
Hahaa! Yes, definitely help yourself to that Butterfinger! And thanks for the laugh!
You’re very welcome, Deb! And P.S. I’ve already had *quite* a few Butterfingers. 🙂
Nice! You had me at Suzuki!
Thanks, Stacy! That was my favoritest line, too. 🙂
I laughed out loud at Suzuki! Well done.
Oh! Thanks! I wonder if the Suzuki folks might like this? 🙂
Terrifyingly Terrific! Love that little worm on your site, Cathy!
Thanks, Donna! (The little worm sold me on this site–though it’s a free template with WordPress.) 🙂
You deserve at least three Butterfingers for this. Not being a cat lover, I squealed when the cat jumped into my lap – Yes I was right in the story!
Oh, thanks, Grannymar. Sorry you had a fright but love that you were that invested in the story!
Super cute!
Rowena, try it! Write a story and put it on your blog!
Great Poe-esque twist!
Thanks, Joanna! I think I’m in love with that word, Poe-esque. 🙂
OMG, Cathy! I laughed so hard at the opening line it took me a minute to keep reading! I had a Suzuki, you know, a candy-apple red one 🙂 I think you gave Mr. Poe a run for his money 🙂 And here – here are SEVEN Butterfingers!!! 🙂 Thanks so much for joining in the fun, Cathy 🙂
When that first line came to me, I just had to go with it, Susanna. Glad you liked it! (And have a Butterfinger yourself for a swell contest!) 🙂
Fun entry and wonderful rhyme!
Thanks, Catherine! It was a lot of fun to write!
Poe is laughing out loud as I did. You are a word master, Cathy.
That’s high praise coming from you, Linda! Thanks!
Nice homage to Sir Edgar! But a bit more fun, I think.
Yeah, Mr. Poe probably didn’t have my same sense of humor. 🙂
Spooky/Suzuki – never would’ve thought of that, but it totally works 🙂 This was a fun read!
I love unpredictable rhymes–and yeah, a little kid might not know what a Suzuki is, but hey, that’s why the adult is reading to him! 🙂
You had me at the first line, Cathy! This was great fun — and yes, you’ve earned two or twelve Butterfingers. (mmmmmm)
Yummers! Thanks, Beth (but I’m gonna need to make a store run!) 🙂
That was wonderful! What fun!
Thanks, Rachel! Glad you stopped by!
Yes, you do deserve a Butterfinger, or six!
Why thank you, Juliana–I think I may have another! 🙂
That picture made me think you’d tracked down the elusive chupacabra. Of course, I also saw a sign at a church this week that said, “Jesse James.” I was all inquisitive. Would there be a sermon on Jesse James? How novel! Then I turned the corner and saw that it said, “Jesus Saves.” So my eyesight is not what it used to be. But it’s good enough to read your Poe-etic tale. Kudos.
Val! Even with bad eyesight, you’re a sight for sore eyes. 🙂 And thanks!
A butterfinger for sure…I’ll share my caramel apple with you also.:) I love Poe…this was such a clever take on that. Great job, Cathy!
Oh, I love caramel apples, too, Vivian! Thanks! (For the share AND kind words!) 😉
🙂 Once in a while my husband buys me those huge chocolate dripped nut/caramel coated apples…we used to get them at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory…OMG…I’d make it last 3 days.:)
Fun, fun, fun! I love the Suzuki (and your worm)! Wonderful job!
Thanks, Margaret! That worm’s pretty darn cute, isn’t it? 😉
What a fun story! Scrolling down to comment was a treat with the “moving” fish and worm.
I know, Stacy! I love reading comments, but now it’s extra fun! 😉
This really is boo-rific!
Why, thank you, Julie! 🙂
Your story gets a thumbs up from me!
Thanks, Heather! Thumbs up are way better than thumbs down. 🙂
Fun poem, and I bet Mr. Poe would appreciate the nod in a Halloween poem. 🙂
I hope so, Pam. Wouldn’t want Edgar roaming around the old neighborhood tonight, looking for revenge!
Excellent! I’m sure Edgar wouldn’t mind a bit.
Cats do have a way of scaring the pants off their owners one way or another, don’t they?
Absolutely, Carrie! Have to admit, the poem was loosely based on my own long ago, scary cat story. OOooooooOOO. 🙂
Well done, you! Edgar would be proud. Raid that trick-or-treat candy for a butterfingers!
Done and done, Deborah! 😉 And thanks!
I can’t believe how many different ways people do this contest!! I am just amazed.
YOU did a great job imitating Poe. I Love your poem and think it’s great. A wonderful poem to read aloud which I did for my husband.
Thanks so much for entering the contest. You will probably win. 🙂
I don’t know about winning–there are SO many great stories! I’m fixin’ to curl up now and read the rest! (Thanks for the boost, though!)
There are so MANY! I am amazed at the participation. so many entries. I will have to set some time aside and finish them, too. 🙂
How’d I miss this? Love it! And I think EAP would love your poem too. 🙂
Oh, you were probably busy being the Lovely Lisa that you are–and taking care of somebody (and I’m including dogs in that category). 🙂
No apologies. I’m sure Poe would have loved it, you know–If he wasn’t dead.
You used “Nevermore” to great effect in this poem!
Cathy, thanks for dropping by No Water River! Yes, we do have our friend Robyn in common, so it’s nice to meet you! I love Poe and think he’d be tickled pink with your Raven take-off. I am, too! 🙂
Very cute. Nice rhymes. I had a good laugh at Suzuki 😉
So glad the kitty was rescued! What a good idea to copy the form and flavor of a famous poet.