Halloween... The time of year where ghosts run rampant, a witch's cackle can be heard at every corner, and children all around the world are both terrified and delighted by what we now celebrate as a holiday for the creepy, mystical, and mysterious things of this world. Although that is what people today think of when they hear the word "Halloween", the celebration itself is derived from All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Day, a holiday observed by Roman Catholics and other Christians many years ago.

Despite its anciently religious context, the holiday has formed into festival full of ghouls, zombies, werewolves, and candy. Although several ancient traditions remain, we no longer think of it the way that our ancestors are.

Halloween is not my favorite holiday- not by a long shot. But all the same, I was inspired to write a poem about what I think of when I think of Halloween. So, I present to you a tale of Halloween...

The lights are out, the night is dark,

On old All Hallows' Eve.

For on this night, do spirits roam?

Not quite as you believe.

This is the time a barrier drops

From between these worlds of ours.

And we think that ghosts and goblins cruel

Are strolling through the halls.

Shapes are carved through pumpkin flesh

With candlelight inside,

To ward off fearsome creatures, who,

On this night reside

Within our mortal home instead

Of the one they leave behind.

For this one night they have the chance

Through this world to wind.

A witch's laugh may be disguised

With a child's grin,

They skip down the road in groups, or pairs,

Hoping that they can win.

Dressed in colorful costumes now,

They knock upon the door.

"Trick or Treat", the offered phrase,

A wish for something more.

We can't decide between fear and joy,

For both we seem to like,

For on this day terror seems

To not be such a fright.

For light and laughter, candy, and more

Oppose the dark, the deep,

Though we suppose that in the night,

The spirits like to creep.

All Hallows' Eve it seems at least,

Carries less fear than before.

No Tale of Terror or Woe has come

Despite our darkest lore.

And as the night draws to a close,

The spirits go away.

But they'll return another year,

On Next All Hallows' Day.