Halloween

The ghosts are quiet outside.
Not yet dare they gather
for fear we might be aware
of their schemes.
They cannot now frighten.

Inside we prepare.
We thank our Father,
His hallowed name.
With pumpkins we act out
childish nightmares.

Light is creeping to safety,
while laughter dies and
howling takes their place.
Nightfall is arrival of
guests and spectres.

With noise we seek to divert.
The children are more apt at this than we are.
Or else their trust robs them of their fears.
We practice together how to react to a fright.
So that they will know when there is need.

The spirits approach with darkness.
The candles show them that we yet live.
Light and for protection our noise.
Light and for protection our noise.
It is summer. It is winter. A new year.