"Hallowe'en Ode"

                     My Simple Thoughts on Hallowe'en

By a wimper, with a whisper,

and a rumor - you will know,

something odd has caught your soul,

and no control, abroad you go !

Cautious walking

through the streets,

here you note a sight or two,

ghostie goblins, bats and bobbins

little ones proclaiming "BOO!"

Demanding that you offer tribute

in the way of sug'ry sweets,

they will tell you at the doorstep

"Tricks ahead if you've no treats !"

Memories come flooding back

of times when life was free and young,

nights that you yourself went treating,

n'er a trick would pass your tongue.

Now I see the guardians

accompany the little ones -

fearful that a real-life evil

grabs a child and tries to run.

Never in my childhood schemes

had I a fear of trick nor treat,

Wish we had it back again -

afford all evil strong defeat !!

Truly, here's a special time

for silliness to fully live -

so when a ghostie rings your bell,

just give and give and give !

                    by Cathy S. Rapicano 10-2007