Belsnickel

This is about a character I had discovered as a little kid, reading a poem about him (by whom, and how it went is now long-forgotten)...so I've attempted to re-capture the essence of what I had read as a child...look him up!

He comes late at night

Long before break of day

He comes not to give

But to take away

He comes not with a laugh

Not with a tickle

Black as the night

His name is Belsnickel

And when you’ve been bad

He shall leave you coal

He’ll take all your presents

And leave you so cold

Bad children he takes

From their warm, comfy beds

Bad children, beware!

For he comes with much dread

To steal you away

Not ever to return

For not listening to parents

Or the lessons you’ve learned

So be on best behaviour

Or you’ll be in a pickle

For as Christmas Eve comes

Beware of Belsnickel!

 

Reviews

[flaneur]

What a fascinating, grotesque character! Ranks right up there with Poe, hunchbacks, and Frankenstein. I love how, in the references I looked up, he announces his presence by rattling sticks on the windows to wake the kids up. Ominous and terrifying-- the fact that nobody can sleep to escape their meted punishments.

The best reference I could find on him is:
http://www.ety.com/HRP/walshcomments/belsnickel.htm

[HoorayForUnderdog]

I love your poem! Belsnickle sounds horribly wonderful! I will have to look up the link listed below by flaneur. You ROCK!

[Damian Alan Gray]

Loved this! Thanks for the submission to Vicious Humbug!

[David Lewis Paget]

A sort of Anti-Claus character... perhaps he should be introduced to this generation's spoiled brats so they grow up with the idea that not everything is going to go their way regardless. The Father Christmas of the 21st century has tended to overblow everyone's budget. Good one.

[DollFacedKiller]

I read Michael's link and I must say I love this story. As for your poem I love the simplicity.....its very fitting with the story hun well done!

[Kris Tate]

I love it I think I am going to have to show this to all my nieces and nephews

[Nick Erickson]

I'd never heard of Belsnickel before so I looked him up. I like him better than Santa...

Very well written piece, excellent flow and imagery. Well done!