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Hallowe'en 1943

My mother played the Witch, at that
Fire-Service Hallowe’en
With cauldron and a (toy) black cat,
A broomstick and a pointed hat,
And robe of mystic green…
She was a good Witch, though, for she
Proposed to brew a spell
To aid the Allied victory
(A task to be done well!)


And so into the cauldron’s maw,
She cast the tools to win the war,
Toy aircraft, battleships and tanks,
Toy troops according to their ranks,
The cauldron took them but – no thanks!
The fire would not light, some curse
Had blocked the spell – what omen worse? –
Dear Victory Witch, we beg, rehearse
Enchantments strong and sure!


She tried her best to fill the lack -
Added a scroll with mighty words
From Churchill, then a Union Jack,
Song of the White Cliffs and Blue Birds.
She threw in “hope”, she tossed in “luck”
She poured in “righteous cause”…
She stirred it with her wand… yet still
The cauldron would not boil, some chill
Held back the charm -  Strong magic will
Be needed to win wars!


“What can I do?” the poor Witch cried!
(My Mother really loved this role!)
“What else is there that could be tried?
Oh, please advise me, some kind soul!,
I’ll do whate’er you say!”
Then from the audience came a shout:
“Just speak up clearly, show no doubt:
Say: ‘Cauldron, send your fairy out!’
She's sure to know the way!”


The Witch obeyed: There came a flash,
Of green light, and a thunder crash,
And with a great leap and a dash
Out of the pot came – I!
Seven years old, in frilled white dress,
With long blond hair and – you can guess –
A speech well learned that would express
The strategy to try!


“Wars do not run themselves, you know,
On nothing; so, to beat the foe,
Let hands into your pockets go!
(I trust my meaning's clear!)
Just do the thing that Hitler hates,
And, to support our fighting mates,
Buy War Bonds and Certificates,
I’ve got the forms right here!”.


I waved my wand, then Mum and I
Took hands and danced, all lit with green,
I doubt that there was one dry eye,
That watched our little scene…
We took the cauldron through the rows
Of audience – and, as you’d suppose,
Into its depth there poured great flows
Of money…

        And this story shows
How heroes of the pump and hose
Kept wartime Hallowe’en.

Author notes

This poem is about World War II, during which my mother was in the National Fire Service.


Someone was asking what age-group of children this would suit.

Well, I did not have any specific age-group in mind when I wrote it. However, children of anything from 6 years old upwards seem to enjoy it. I suppose if I were putting it in an anthology for children, I should earmark it for the upper classes of primary school (say ages 8 - 11). Once young people go to secondary school at 11+ years old they would (if they are anything like my generation were!) pretend to be too grown-up and sophisticated to enjoy "children's" literature... at least in public!

Some of the younger ones were a bit puzzled by some words and historical allusions when they heard it for the first time, and their mothers asked me for copies so that they could go over it with them later. One mother who is not a native speaker of English did not know some of the words either, so (she told me later) they looked the words up in the dictionary together - which was another interesting lesson for the little girl.

A contest entry

Please do not feel obliged to comment - and if you Do comment, please understand it may be some time before I can acknowledge it.

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Comments

1 - 60 of 60

  • WaterChild Reborn silver member
    November 1

    Edit | Reply
    I see what you mean about this not quite meeting this contest's theme, but I truly enjoyed this nevertheless. It reminded me of the old Disney movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". Plus my father-in-law is a US WWII Purple Heart veteren and I love listening to his reminiscions. I'm going to remove this from the contest simply to preserve fairness but I thank you for sharing it with me anyway. It is very well written and tells a great story!


  • glenn shannon silver member
    October 4
    Edit | Reply
    wot a brilliant piece of art here and wow congrats on all the tropheys well deserved class act indeed


  • Raining Kisses silver member
    October 2
    Edit | Reply
    bravo bravo and bravo some more...this is a really fine write indeed
    thanks
    T

  • mcheadle
    September 28
    Edit | Reply

    This was in the begining of my time of life

    So great to know how things were then- tight as things are no one might say. thanks for the infro...mac


  • Concrete Angel silver member
    September 28

    Edit | Reply
    Now this is a wonderfully written Halloween poem with actually a good message behind it. Not only a historical message to teach the kiddies of the past but a message about stepping up and supporting each other. And the kids wouldn't really even knwo they were learning with the wonderful bouncy flow this has to it. Not to mention the well placed rhyme scheme. Wonderful well done. Love it. THanks for entering and good luck in my contest!

  • IntimidusRex silver member
    September 28

    Edit | Reply
    dear lady Vera,my mother, nan and gran recounted those times to us when we were small, the bombings, fires, V-2's, the sounds of spitfires and hurricanes, as well as the times spent in the underground railway terminals. desparate times for one and all. Thank you much for a piece of our history and a very charming look at the time through the eyes of a seven year old. I shall have to get me mum to read this as I am sure that it will invoke some memories both good and bad, in the hopes she can remember more good than bad about those years. thank you again


  • rrw gold member
    September 27

    Edit | Reply
    Well, I sure can see why you won all those awards... A fine poem that works on many levels. And what a great "true life" story! You really created something unusual here... should be in a history book or something. A beautiful write not only for Halloween, but for the vets and people who suffered through WWII.


  • epitome
    September 26

    Edit | Reply
    beautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeauti fulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbea utifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautifulbeautiful.
    I love history poetry, it has so much depth to it.
    This was so vivid, I was sure you had dreamed it up, so my love for it increased tenfold when I realised it was personal!


  • Poetess12
    September 17

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    I really like the story this poem tells. It's interesting and I like the flow also.
    A wonderful history to write about.

    Thank you very much for your entry.

  • hezakiah
    September 17
    Edit | Reply


  • Puppydog gold member
    September 7

    Edit | Reply

    A WONDERFUL STORY!!!

    Such wonderful family to share such wonderful and fun imagination for the holidays! It is these very things which make memories which will last forever! 's


  • WhisperingSpirit
    September 6

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    Wow very interesting I must say.
    I was spell bond indeed.
    I love it.
    Thank you for entering our contest.
    Your a wonderful writter.


  • Palas Kumar Ray
    August 22
    Edit | Reply
    Very vivid and well portrayed memories.Thanks for entering into my contest "relation" and best of luck.


  • lukes
    June 30

    Edit | Reply

    Great idea

    Well,I love it. What else can I say. Its ingenius. You are an inspirational poet. Thank you s much for entering my contest and good luck


  • Amunet Wolfbane Moderators member
    November 23, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    A little long but well worth the read I do believe. I really enjoyed this tale. I do so love Halloween myself so great job here.


  • mystic-angel gold member
    November 10, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow that sounds like a fab Halloween and a truly great time you had with your mum. I love the depth and feeling in this poem too. Great imagery and wonderfully descriptive. A lovely memory to treasure. Thanks for your entry and good luck.


  • CowboyFan1
    October 6, 2008
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    thanks for the entry good luck


  • Kimojuno
    October 5, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Heh, the poem in itself shows the love you and your mother shared, at least enough to act together, and how although it may have seemed weird then or even now it helped with a cause.

    I truly enjoy your ending stanza and how it makes the poem flow together and truly make sense for/to the reader.

    • Vera Rich
      October 5, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      I do not understand what you think might have seemed "weird"...






      • Kimojuno
        October 8, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        I think I meant doing the play, however from re-reading your poem it seems like you enjoyed doing it.

        • Vera Rich
          October 10, 2008
          Edit | Reply
          Well, I apparently have actors in my ancestry - French ones who left at the Revolution....


  • faded dreams
    October 2, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is very well put together. I can see the scene myself just in reading your words. You've done a wonderful job. Best of luck in my contest


  • TyrannyForestFairy
    August 11, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This was enourmously powerful!! It's unbelievable how well this was composed, very creative and well comprehended, the structure of the storyline was great, past memeories being put into the context was a major highlight. Very enjoyable composition, I loved it very much and thank you for entering my contest

    ~Emily~ xx


  • Electric Sunrise gold member
    August 2, 2008
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    I've always been a halloween fan and thus enjoyed this poem immensely, Best of luck in the contest


  • Nicada silver member
    July 9, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This is very well written and full of some amazing imagery. This write shows many vivid details of your experience and memories. This write holds some powerful messages, and I thank you for sharing it. Thanks for entering my contest. Blessings, Patty


  • Shya
    June 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    A really sweet story to read and enjoy.


  • Talking Toni gold member
    May 13, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful poem very vivid and descriptive I can almost see your mother dressed up stirring the cauldron. I enjoyed reading this poem. Toni

  • ecrivain01
    April 12, 2008
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    That is rather ...

    a remarkable coincidence. Thanks, Vera.


  • Zixaphir
    February 13, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Enjoyable, taking one so young as myself to a time so long gone, out of my reach under normal circumstances. I had to re-read to title to realize where your poem had dropped me, and from there I felt I was in a very new world, to me that is.

    So, nostagic to an era passed... I feel so young. xD

  • Judith Chandler
    February 1, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I love it. It's so vivid, the costume, the wartime setting and the spell, and then wonderful touch of the witch and her daugher collecting money for victory bonds.

    Well done.


  • bloved
    December 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This was quite entertaining to read

    very different from what I was expecting...but charming non the less

    Thanks for entering...and good luck

  • Electric Sunrise gold member
    December 7, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Firstly, allow me to apologise for the late judgement of this contest on the behalf of the contest host. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, nice clever structure and rhyme scheme, an anjoyable and slightly humourous read in places, well done :) Thanks for the entry and best of luck in the contest :)


  • daviscth silver member
    October 25, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I enjoyed reading this so much I hated getting to the end. I thought it was wonderfully done. Good luck in the contest.
    Cathy


  • jcat gold member
    October 23, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    great job with bringing your poem to life.. very enjoyable read. thanks for entering the contest


  • midnight eyes
    October 18, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    What a wonderful poem great job. An keep up the good work and good luck.


    Amber aka midnight eyes


  • BluRosePoet8488
    October 18, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Dearest Vera,
    I feel the depth and the richness in your words exploding forth in this poem. Well written. I found it to be visually a wonderful poem as I could picture the scene in my mind's eye. Keep the ink flowing and good luck.
    ~Donna~


  • Riftkin gold member
    October 12, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I waved my wand, then Mum and I
    Took hands and danced, all lit with green,
    I doubt that there was one dry eye,
    That watched our little scene…
    We took the cauldron through the rows
    Of audience – and, as you’d suppose,
    Into its depth there poured great flows
    Of money…

    And this story shows
    How heroes of the pump and hose
    Kept wartime Hallowe’en.

    you told a wonderful tale

    Riftkin


  • Poetic-Theorem silver member
    October 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Powerful!!!!

    This is an interesting take on our Spell Casting Party! A spell to end wars...GREAT IDEA!!!!!
    I love the poem because it creates suspence and keeps the reader in a trance.

    "She tried her best to fill the lack -
    Added a scroll with mighty words
    From Churchill, then a Union Jack,
    Song of the White Cliffs and Blue Birds.
    She threw in “hope”, she tossed in “luck”
    She poured in “righteous cause”…
    She stirred it with her wand… yet still
    The cauldron would not boil, some chill
    Held back the charm - Strong magic will
    Be needed to win wars!

    WELL PENNED AND A POWERFUL STANZA!
    Thanks for your entry in our Spell Casting Party!
    I wish you the best of luck in the contest!
    David


  • Tattboyspet
    October 9, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    There were only 9 entries in this contest and I did specify that if there were not at least 15 I would close it, so thank you for the entry I enjoyed the read, but I'm afraid I am cancelling the contest

  • ecrivain01
    October 7, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Great write ...

    those were dark days indeed. I just watched Flags of Our Fathers, and it was appalling how close to broke we were, with no money to buy the war materiels needed to win.

    Anyway, it was an excellent idea your mother had.


  • Manda Kathryn Greeters member
    October 6, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Thank you for your magical entry

    G'day Vera Rich

    I love the flow in this It seems simple yet it isn't in it's own way ...

    Looks abit long but is enjoyable
    Best of luck in our contest
    Stay safe
    ~Amanda


  • suseann
    October 1, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    So many winning accolades with this excellent story poem,yet I've only now stumbled over it.Great piece.


  • ma belle
    October 1, 2007

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    Oh wow, another masterpiece. So sorry this has been snubbed before--trust it finds a GOLD nest here in this contest!! A fine example of a Didactic.. which are difficult to write (as most take the corny approach to compose--but not you!). Loved the dialogue and who could not adore it more with its mother-daughter cast. Simply stunning with a most befitting theme. Perfection personified. ♥ Belle


  • Tattboyspet
    September 28, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    a bit long for my liking, but thank you for the entry


  • adios muchachos gold member
    September 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Hello Vera

    I think you wrote "Bessie" with the same ink you did this. I was not exactly here during the war, but I "may be" the product of the first New Years celebration after it was over. My birthday being in September of '46.

    This is a great poem! Honesty and good story-telling are
    particularly formidable writing tools.

    I think we are in the same contest Vera! Hooray!

    I've asked the people who run the site to consider changing the trophy system into rewarding/displaying
    tiny profiles or cameos of some of the greater well known poets who we would readily recognize.
    Of course there would have to be a consensus as to whose profile would be gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention. But I thought it might be nice for continuity. Do you think this might be a good idea?

    Have to go, but again, beauty of a poem, Vera.

    John-USA


  • Sgt B
    September 26, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    I loved your story

    People today do not have a clue what is is to be a patriot. Nor what it means to give (for free) to another in need. It is all about them. I really enjoyed this trip back. Thank you so very much!

    • Vera Rich
      September 26, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      I am so glad you like - and can appreciate -it. The Beatles, and the other iconic figures of the 1960s who undermined love of one's country supposedly in the name of international brotherhood, have a great deal to answer for!


  • Frozentearz
    September 23, 2007

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    Thanks for joining in our Halloween fun,
    There is a lot of depth held within the words,
    Happy Hauntings,
    Frozentearz


  • Frogzter gold member
    September 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I read this 3 times! It got better with each read! Thanks for entering and best wishes!

    Frogz~


  • sassylilpoet silver member
    June 14, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Your mother sounds quite a character, reminds me of my grandmother, she was always a kid and full of laughter. As is your poem, I love the form and the rhyme. The story you tell is captivating, with great imagery, allows the reader to follow easily along, as this witch brews up her magic spell, with the help, of course of a blond haired fairy, a delightful tale, thanks for your entry and good luck in the contest


  • IndividualEleven
    March 28, 2007

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    Nice imagery and great flow, thanks for entering and good luck in my contest - Jacen an IndividualEleven.


  • Ontarah
    March 16, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I agree. An army does indeed march on its stomach. Both Napolean and Hitler can tell you that (along with not trying to invade Russia in winter) This poem is wonderful on so many levels. On one is the well chosen rhyme and nearly flawless structure, a particular challenge considering you are using a fairly difficult rhyme scheme. I also like your very original and creative story. It captured my attention and held me throughout. Thanks for this great entry and good luck!


  • Assisted-Suicide
    December 4, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This reminded me of Room Moms, how they come and help with parties for their kids at school. And this reminded me of the Halloween party! This was a cute write! Thanks I need to read something happy today! I really liked it!
    ~ Princess Padge

    • Vera Rich
      December 5, 2006
      Edit | Reply
      I am so glad that this met your requirements for "something happy".

      I am not sure what "Room Moms" are, though.. we certainly did not have them when I was at school - parents were not encouraged near the classrooms except on special "open days" and one school in our neighbourhood (not the one I attended) had a notice just inside the gate "Parents are not permitted beyond this board!"
      But I know things are very different at schools nowadays...


      But I do greatly support the idea of happy poetry. Far too many aspiring poets think it necessary to write about gloom and doom -- even when they have nothing much to be sad about...

      A few months back someone ran a competition on Allpoetry in honour of me and other people with cancer. The entries were horribly depressing!... Well, I appreciated their sympathy... but I felt very glad that I was not asked to judge it the competition... My own poems on cancer are humorous ones... and the doctors and nurses treating me consider that it is because I have dealt with the disease as something to be laughed at, not cried over, that I am making such a good recovery!

      Of course there is a place in poetry for genuine grief and tragedy - but, as I said, it seems to me that a lot of the people writing gloomy poetry simply do so because they feel sadness is more "poetic"...


  • gothicchildren05
    November 2, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    I don't really know what to say about this piece. it's a great piece, no doubt in that but I just don't know how to comment. you did a great job writing this. that's some story told there. a witch back in the time. great write. you did a great job writing this and I thank you for entering. good luck in winning.

    -Vanessa-

  • Just4u
    November 2, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Below the ground, within the tube
    as buzzbombs dropped from sky
    A women and her young girl sat
    and questioned 'bout the why

    As fockes flew, ever nearer
    and sirens cut short, play
    They all had heart, and did their part
    and brought victory on V-day

    Hugs...Eddy

    Mum meet dad during the war...Greetings from across the Big pond...I've heard a few stories about that time. She used to get ribbed bigtime here in the US for that old Brit phrase "Knock me up in the morning"

  • Vera Rich
    October 13, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Yes, my mother was, indeed, always great fun... AND a magnificent cook (even under conditions of wartime and post-war rationing) - so you can imagine what marvellous parties I had as a child and teenager!
    Edited on Oct 29, 11:40 p.m. because ''.


  • Keith
    October 12, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Good to see a witch and fairy united against the Nazi menace. I love pantomimes of all kinds, and you've recaptured the essence of this and no mistake. Great.


  • -Ariana-
    October 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    wow this is amazing great job, and thanks for entering


  • chills gold member
    October 11, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    This was wonderful. Your mother sounds a lot of fun. I think I am rather partial to war time stories. I used to ask gran about it and would hear the stories over and over again. Thanks for the smile this gave me so early on a Wednesday when I should be putting the bins out!! x debs

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