The first quarter of the silver moon
and grandpa stumbles in the dim light.
Over his shoulder a pillow case filled with goodies with
Good Housekeeping seals of approval.
House cats looking sinister and
seasonably black
scamper out of his clumsy way.
Grim pumpkin heads on fence posts
reminders of a headless horseman
in other times.
Spray bottle cobwebs frame each window
and ghostly groans
and screams fill the night.
From the shadows a silly looking old fellow
makes like Freddie Kruger
as he watches over his raiding party.
Now Alden, my friendly Grim Reaper,
no candy not wrapped in original paper.
Ghostly Alex, no fresh fruit
nor home made candy or popcorn.
For Fairy Princess Elizabeth
pennies for
UNESCO are acceptable as a social chore
but no unnecessary touch
from the hand of the giver.
This morning's soccer team are in their
special uniforms of the night
and they have turned
their cheering section of the day
into guards and loot carriers
in the night.
Among this host of escorts for the
3 foot tall ghosts and goblins
there is the loneliness of being
Freddie Kruger standing in the dim light.
But there are real Freddie Krugers
somewhere out there in the black night.
The slowly cruising patrol cars
are reassuring until
even the phony Freddie gets a cold stare.
And behold, there is a tall Nixon
and Princesses Di
and other celebrities
each with a herd of monsters
and each a fellow traveler.
Perhaps there is a brandy flask on the hip
of one of them.
Freddie's calls to them:
"Trick or Treat"
It is worth a try.
Next year all should be sure
to bring a treat
for those tricked into being
escorts of the terrors.
Halloween night Nannies of the world
unite!