The Ballad of Kathleen O’Kallous

In Cookham’s hill, where shadows creep, Lived Kathleen O’Kallous, old and deep. Her house, a fortress, dark and grand, Looked down upon the quiet land.

In purple robes and black she’d dress, A sight that filled the hearts with stress. The village folk, with frightened eyes, Believed her tales of mystic skies.

On Halloween, when ghouls did roam, She’d scare away the trick-or-treaters’ foam. With cackles wild and eerie wails, She’d send the bravest ones to trails.

But one brave year, a daring crew, With Timmy Timbletoes leading true, And friends with names both odd and bright, Decided to give her a fright.

With rolls of tissue, seventy-four, They covered Kathleen’s house all o’er. A prank well-planned, a mischief bold, To turn the tables, stories told.

Kathleen emerged, her laughter clear, Amidst the tissue, without fear. She saw the prank, a playful jest, And knew these children passed the test.

With buckets full of candy bright, She thanked the crew for such a fright. A feast for eyes, a sweet surprise, Of chocolate bars and lollipops, a prize. From gummy bears to licorice drops, A treasure trove of sugary stops. With every bite, a joyful cheer, As children’s laughter filled the air.

The village heard, the tale did spread, Of Kathleen’s heart, no longer dread. Kathleen O’Kallous, once feared and strange, Became a friend, a welcome change.

The prank that turned a fearsome night, To one of joy and pure delight. A legend born, a story true, Of Kathleen’s heart, both kind and new.