Halloween's Child

Dressed to blend into the evening, my face now adorned with a mask
I steal from my house to meet cohorts, with a plan for agreed upon tasks.
Crouching low we creep into the corn field, the ears in dried husks reaching high
We quietly pick and shuck kernels underneath scudding clouds in the sky.

Patiently hiding along side the road, young demons awaiting their prey
A car makes a sound in the distance, the headlights are heading our way.
Handfuls of corn are now heaved from the dark, the hubcaps go rat-a-tat-tat!
We scatter like mice in the kitchen, who’ve been caught by the resident cat.

We grab buckets and pails, and colorful bags and set out for the houses lit bright
“Trick or Treat”, we all shout, disguising our guilt from our mischief at start of the night.
We feed on the “OOOwws” and the “Ahhhs” and the shrieks, mock fear now plainly displayed
We hold open bags, awaiting our treats, knowing well we will not be dismayed.

My mask is now damp from my breathing, a comforting smell slightly sweet
As I wander along to the next well lit door, reaching into my bag for a treat.
My evening’s now done and completed, doffing mask I then headed for home
Who knew that in years that would follow, this night would turn into a poem.

By James Geehring