On Halloween Night

The darkness comes early on Halloween night
spirits and goblins are ready to fight
The tree winds moan
and the full moon's in sight
The stage is now set
for some Halloween fright.

A large owl hoots and flies from its perch
Bats huddle 'round,
beginning their search
The air holds a chill,
and children stand still
Afraid of their shadows,
too frightened to squeal.

A patch of huge pumpkins
sits off to the left
It seems they are watching,
with eyes that won't rest.

I quicken my pace
and try not to glance,
'cause I feel their eyes staring
and I can't take a chance.

It's homeward I'm bound
and tonight I must walk
through woods and through meadows
with eyes like a hawk.

A cackle I hear
unearthly and weird,
a figure sneaks by
and fills me with fear.

I look around swiftly
to see what's about
when I see a face dimly
and rather than shout,
I stand there quite calmly
and squinting my eyes
I see a witch costume,
a child in disguise.

I must get it together
or else I'll be toast
For the creatures that scare me
are bat, witch, and ghost.

These Halloween frights
are the things on my mind
and the woods are now full of them,
in front, and behind.

I can see my house faintly
up ahead through the mist
My heart is still pounding
my hands, two clinched fists.

Ready to strike
to defend if I must
Against these wild demons
who roam in the dusk.

At last I am home
tucked safely inside
With door bolted shut
I let out a sigh. ...

Now all of these horrors
which gave me such fright,
Are outside my door
on this Halloween night.


Dan Thompson
October 21, 2008