> The Evening of Samhain *
Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place
Were Pagans preparing the ritual space
The candles were set in the corners with care
In hopes that the Watchtowers soon would be there.
We all had our robes on (as is habitual)
And had just settled down and were starting our ritual
When out on the porch there arose such a chorus
That we went to the door, and waiting there for us
Were children in costumes of various kinds
With visions of chocolate bright in their minds
In all of our working, we'd almost forgot
But we had purchased candy (we'd purchased a LOT)
And so, as they flocked from all the street
They all got some chocolate or something else sweet
We didn't think twice of delaying our rite
Kids just don't have this much fun every night
For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick
of giving a choice : a trick or a treat
As is proper, the parents were there for the games
Watching the children and calling their names
"On Vader, on Leia, on Dexter and DeeDee,
on Xena, on Buffy, Casper and Tweety!
To the block of apartments on the neighboring road
You'll get so much candy you'll have to be towed!"
The volume of children eventually dropped,
and as it grew darker, it finally stopped.
But as we prepared to return to our rite
One child more stepped out of the night
She couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen
Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green
with a simple gold cord tying off at the waist.
She'd a staff in her hand and a smile on her face
No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch,
so we asked who she was; she replied "I'm a witch,
and no I don't fly through the sky on my broom;
I only use that thing for cleaning my room
My magickal powers aren't really that neat,
But I won't threaten tricks; I'll just ask for a treat."
We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones,
a candle, a crystal; a few other stones.
And the rest of the candy (which might fill a van.)
She turned to her father (a man dressed as Pan)
and laughed "Yes, I know, Dad, it's past time for bed,"
And started to leave, but she first turned and said
"I'm sorry for further delaying your rite.
Blessed Samhain to all, and a magickal night!"
