On this day of All Saints’ or All Hallows’ Eve,
a special time also celebrated by many,
under the name given as… HALLOWEEN!!!

Gates from realms and portals open free,
whether a spectator or a participant a spectacle to see,
gargoyles observant and perched on buildings of great height,
the hunter and the prey simultaneously in sight,
witches, ghosts, werewolves, and vampires take flight,
exit from their hiding places and enter into the night.

Eager to scare, predatorily they stalk,
masqueraders in the search for precious candy,
weave through the multitudes as they premeditatively walk.

Roaming the villages, knocking on doors,
the longed-for prize of these intentional creatures,
is the taking of TREATS and to have NO TRICKS
of which is to be abhorred.

Exalting in conquests and their thirsts appeased,
journey back to their dwellings
to cherish and gather what was seized,
they have made a killing, a large haul of sweets,
hurriedly they scurry, with watering mouths
and their desires pleased.

Through the gas lamp lit roads of cobblestone,
averting entering labyrinths, tunnels and the unknown,
quickly over bridges not paying the Troll’s toll,
during the witching hour in hazy forests
are scared many a soul,
bypassing the unidentifiable strangers in darkened alleys,
making it home to remove their nights mask,
with treasure awaiting and with no time to dally.
they must hurry as they have their task.

Locking of all windows and every door,
checking all rooms, under beds, and on all floors,
drinking an elixir to calm the maddening nerves,
turning on the water which fills the sink basin’s curves,
a mixed concoction to remove the mask is applied,
eyes closed to reveal the truth and to unhide,
rinsing, washing, rinsing, the face and then to spy,
then looking into the mirror that tells no lie,
then looking again behind and beyond the mirror
to see what has caught thy eye.

A devilish grin revealing of sharpened fangs,
a menacing shadow, catching claws and red glowing eyes,
will you be living when this night’s gate is closed,
another victim of an unexpected spectre's cruel surprise,
or are you one of the undead in your sepulcher
protected from the light when the Sun doth arise?!!!