The scarecrow watched from his throne of hay,
as preparations marked the day.
Lanterns, pumpkins, and little stuffed ghosts.
Cobwebs and spiders hung from the posts.
A bubbling punchbowl, with cups for a toast,
a cheer, a jeer, or a good-natured boast.
The children costumed from head to toe,
princesses, monsters, and demons of woe.
Made up and painted in time for the show,
and hardly able to wait for the go.
To set out into darkness, their sacks in tow,
reaching every house in the row!
To honor the ones that scare them so,
when the house doth thump, and the wind doth blow.
To laugh and joke at the evil beasts,
that plot to make them part of their feasts!
To scare and shock and earn their treat,
so long as they can stay on their feet.
To share a nervous laugh or two,
at glowing skulls and eyeball stew,
or mannequins with bloodied shoes,
from all the chopping up they do!
To feel the tingle down their spine,
as night draws on and they start to pine,
to be back home where they know it's safe,
their bags now heavy, their costumes chafe.
As suddenly the air feels thick,
and candle flames leap off of their wick,
as chilly winds vow to make them sick,
alarm growing wildly with every tick.
The night turns sinister before their eyes,
and every shadow hides evil spies.
To home, just as fast as your feet
will let you beat a hasty retreat,
through ghastly alleys and darkened streets.
Escape, I said, and make it fleet.
And spare a nod for this scarecrow king,
not just for setting the crows to wing,
but for all the safe passage that I give
and for letting oh so many of you live
when my powers are at their highest peak
and I need do little more than speak
to set loose all your darkest fears
and cackle at your frightened tears
with a sound of ancient dusty glass
broken upon the dried dead grass.
I greet your return with a gleeful gaze,
my grin is wide, my eyes ablaze.
Remember this rule, right to the letter,
You think you know, but I know better!
Happy Halloween!
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