The Witch's Broom

The Witch's Broomstick

"That's it! I have had enough of being a witch's' broomstick!" spluttered the angry broom.

It was the morning of Halloween and he had just come back from a quick warm-up flight with his witch. The broom's witch was called Witch Ella. Most of the other witches called her Witch Ellaphant . She was a very tubby witch and every year she got even tubbier.

"Huh!" said the cauldron. "You say the same thing every year. I don't know why you make you such a fuss. You only work one night a year, after all. Now I work every single day. If it's not stew she's cooking in me, then it's some horrid potion or other. And all day long I sit over the hot fire. I really have got something to moan about."

"Yes, yes, yes," muttered the broom. The cauldron was right. The broom did complain every year. Well, this year he would do something about it.

He hopped down from the shelf and shook his bristles. Several spiders plopped onto the floor and scurried away in alarm.

The broom made his way stiffly to the door of the cavern.

"You really off, then?" asked the cauldron in amazement.

By the door the broom stopped to tickle the cat's ears with a bristle.

"I'll miss you, Puss," he said.

The cat opened one eye and purred a farewell, then went back to sleep.

The broom looked at the stretch of countryside before him. He had never seen it in daylight before. It looked beautiful. There were rolling hills, wooded valleys and even some snow-topped mountains far away.

The broom's gaze fell on a dark forest in the distance.

"That's where I'll go," he decided. And at once he leapt into air the and streaked through the cool morning breeze. How pleasant it was to fly without the Ellaphant!

On the way to the forest, the broom flew over a village of white houses with thick, thatched roofs. Every house had a neat garden filled with late blooming flowers. How much nicer than Ella's scruffy yard!

"How lovely!" exclaimed the broom. He glided down for a closer look. He had just made himself comfortable against the wall when a woman bustled up and grabbed hold of him.

"Come on, broom! Lots of work to do," she panted and dragged him indoors. "Got to clean up before the children have their party tonight."

For the next hour the Broom didn't stop. He was stuffed into dusty corners and poky cracks. He swept cobwebs down and rustled and hustled all around the house.

At last the woman stopped.

"Well," she exclaimed. "I need a rest before we start on the paths."

"What!" gasped the broom. "More sweeping No thanks!"

He leapt out of the astonished woman's hands and sailed into the sky. He didn't stop until he came to the forest. He plopped down into a clearing and was surprised to find a row of brooms there. They were leaning against a wooden stand with a notice that said 'FIRE BROOMS' above them.

He settled next to them and closed his eyes for a nap. He was very weary.

But suddenly the broom woke in alarm to find the air filled with thick, choking smoke. People were shouting! "Fire! Fire! Get the brooms! Beat the flames out!"

For the second time that the day the broom was grabbed. He was crashed down onto the red, licking flames, again and again. The heat singed his bristles and the smoke made him sneeze. He was covered in ash.

"Frogs legs!" he yelped. "I hope this doesn't go on for too long!"

At long last the fire was out. The people sat down for a rest. The broom decided it was time to leave. He didn't want to go through that again!

He swooped into the sky and headed wearily for home. Today had shown him that being a witch's broom wasn't such a bad thing after all.

Ella was out in the yard looking for him. Puss purred happily when she saw her friend again.

"Aha!" Ella croaked. "I thought you would be back. It's nearly time to go".

She glanced up at the clock's skeleton hands. "But there is just time for a couple of spells. First of all, broom, you need to be spruced up. And then I need to be

slimmed down. I'm not surprised you flew away. I hadn't realised what a lump I'd become! You've taught me a lesson!"

Side by side, they waddled into the cavern. The broom was looking forward to Halloween after all!

Story Copyright: Stephanie J Dagg , Binn An Tí, Killountain, Innishannon, Co. Cork, 1998

You can reach Christopher Dagg by e-mail at:

webmaster@booksarecool.net

Created October 30, 1998

Most recent revision November 1999