A Pagans "Halloween" Poem

Author Cather Steincamp

'Twas the evening of Samhain, and all through the place Were pagans preparing the ritual space.The candles were set in the corners with care,In hopes that the Watchtowers
soon would be there.

We all had our robes on (as is habitual)And had just settled down and were starting our ritual When out on the porch there arose such a chorus That we went to the door, and
waiting there for us Were children in costumes of various kinds With
visions of chocolate bright in their minds.

In all of our workings, we'd almost forgot, But we had purchased candy (we'd purchased a LOT),And so, as they flocked from all over the street,They all got
some chocolate or something else sweet.We didn't think twice of delaying
our rite, Kids just don't have this much fun every night.

For hours they came, with the time-honored schtick Of giving a choice: a treat or a trick.As is proper, the parents were there for the
games,Watching the children and calling their names.

"On Vader, On Leia, On Dexter and DeeDee, On Xena, on Buffy, Casper and Tweety!To the block of apartments on the neighboring road;You'll get so
much candy, you'll have to be TOWED!"

The volume of children eventually dropped, And as it grew darker, it finally stopped.But as we prepared to return to our rite, One child more stepped
out of the night.

She couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen.Her hair was deep red, and her robe, forest green With a simple gold cord tying off at the waist.She'd a staff in her hand and a
smile on her face.No make-up, nor mask, or accompanying kitsch, So we
asked who she was; she replied "I'm a witch.

And no, I don't fly through the sky on my broom; I only use that thing for cleaning my room.My magical powers aren't really that neat, But I won't
threaten tricks; I'll just ask for a treat."

We found it refreshing, so we gave incense cones,A candle, a crystal, a few other stones, And the rest of the candy (which might fill a van).She turned to
her father (a man dressed as Pan) And laughed, "Yes, I know, Dad, it's
past time for bed,"And started to leave, but she first turned and said

"I'm sorry for further delaying your rite.Blessed Samhain to all, and a magical night."