A Poem for Halloween

Originally written for use by The Whistling Kettle, Troy NY

So I was hired to write a Halloween themed poem using Clement Clarke Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" as a template for a tea company (and you know how much I love tea). It felt good to be back in my old, poetry-writing, comfort zone. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

‘Twas the Great Hallows’ Eve

D. Lieber

‘Twas the great Hallows’ Eve when we stepped into the night.

All the creatures were stirring to bring us a fright.

The pumpkins were carved and lit up inside,

Their eyes flickering with laughter, their mouths grinning wide.

The children were squealing as they skipped down the road,

Their pillowcases bursting with their sugary load.

And Dad in his cape and I with my sword,

Looked on with smiles at the pint-sized horde.

The sidewalks were teeming with families of every kind,

Making happy memories they would never leave behind.

When at last we reached the final house on our block,

Its decorations were spooky; they gave me a shock.

The kiddies crept toward the door, clutching our hands,

Their fear held at bay by a spiderweb’s strands.

When all of a sudden, a shriek split the air

As ghoulish monsters appeared in a pair.

But seeing the creatures were just our good hosts,

The screams turned to giggles, blushes, and boasts.

Finally turning home, I was ready to rest,

My feet only hurting as the night had progressed.

With the candy all checked, the children lay on the floor,

Swapping and sharing their treats galore.

One piece each they were allowed before bed.

We did not relent though they begged and pled.

When all was quiet and the kids were asleep,

I collapsed on the couch in an exhausted heap.

Smiling down at me, with a mug in each fist,

Dad sat beside me, his glasses foggy with mist.

We cuddled together, sipping our tea,

And shared a few chocolates, just two or three.

Laying my head on his shoulder, I whispered in his ear—

“Happy Halloween,” so only he could hear.