I published this blog two years ago, and thought I would repeat it, since it is, after all, the eve of Halloween.
It includes a poem I wrote when I was in Grade 11. Praying for fun for the children, safety for all!
Oct 30 2015
I’ve been cleaning out my closet today. The study closet, full of old important papers, dozens of picture frames, and other assortments of things, and finding the most amazing treasures I forgot I had.
Old petit-point patterns, a half-finished piece, things I just couldn’t throw away.
A pile of warranties, for things we no longer own.
And then there was the box of my writing.
So instead of cleaning, I sat, in the middle of the floor reading what I wrote in my teens and twenties…
I have always loved to write, and I remember an especially inspiring class, Writing 11. which inspired me, pushed me and prodded me to write in all different styles. And among that collection I found of all things, tonight, on the eve of Halloween, a poem I wrote called T’was Halloween’en Night.
I actually found this highly amusing, because I have struggled with Halloween over the years, not enjoying the dark side, and as a young parent was fiercely protective of my children. I am sure I voiced an opinion or two on this topic, and even wrote about it. And while Halloween is still not my favourite holiday, the kids sure have fun dressing up.
And tomorrow, now grandparents of eight – can you imagine? – we will enjoy seeing these little ones have great fun in their costumes, on-line anyway! I love seeing their little happy faces delighting in the dress-up fun.
So here is the poem, written in my Grade 11 hand, about Halloween:
Twas Halloween night,
The air chilling and bitter
The streets dark and damp’ning
And filled with the litter
Small groups of children
Were thronging the streets.
Or rather, some witches
And white ghosts with sheets.
There were old men and ladies
And gypsies with finery
Some cats and some goblins
And angels all shinery.
Clowns with all faces;
Some happy, some sad.
And a dear old professor
who looked very mad.
They all rang my doorbell
some shy and some eager.
“We’ve come trick ‘r treatin”
Said one little beaver.
So I’d plop them some candy
In pillow or sack.
They’d say thank-you with wide eyes,
Their lips would go smack.
And down the long street
their small footsteps would patter.
They’d giggle and laugh
With child’s endless chatter.
I’d sit back and smile
And recall way back when
I was a child
And had fun like them.
by Grace Friesen – for my writing class: Grade 11
