LatinosUSA

Jack

It was a turnip long before it became a pumpkin,
pumpkins weren’t grown here back then
and, after our little party together
I surely needed protection
to keep the devil at bay.

It had seemed a good idea
to invite him for a drink
and a good opportunity
to part him from his cash.
I thought robbing the devil
would keep me in drinks all my life!

But I was a fool, a mean and stingy fool
now forbidden from both heaven and hell.
And hell would have been kinder to me
than this eternal wandering,
my way lit only with a devilish lantern
glowing grotesquely with my fool’s fire.

So spare a kind thought for me on Halloween
and let me close my eyes
and sleep.

First published in Medusa’s Kitchen

~~

All The Devils Were There

I used to dress in baker’s white
and take a basket of bread
to Halloween parties.
I never found many takers.
Spiced pumpkin,
apple cakes
and candy
were always more popular.
So I had a re-think.
Now I take a basket of babies.
They can’t get enough of them
all of those devils out there,
even those who come as angels
gather round for a bite.
Just one bite will transform them
so they’ll leave as devilish
as the rest.

First published in Red Weather

~~

But Some Of Us Are Brave

Scotland was not the place to be a witch,
it really wasn’t.
There were more than four thousand witch trials
in Scotland
putting Salem to shame,
the Witch-Finders boasted.

One would suppose that
wise women did not become witches,
but it seems,
many did
and paid a hot and heavy price.

So not many would be dancing,
even on Halloween,
even in spirit
few would rise
for the occasion,
not even the white witches.

But there will always be some,
some women
brave enough
to celebrate.

First published in Brave And Reckless

~~

Samhain

It’s the time when bonfires are lit
when it’s easier to cross into another world
when places are set at the table to welcome the dead,
to consume the witches
so the evil in the world dies
in the heat and the smoke and the flames.

But this Samhain in Gaza the evil is spreading
in the smoke and ashes.
Everywhere is aflame
nowhere is safe
and everyone is a witch,
the old, the young and even the dead must burn.

Gazans have become the new Nemeds
having already given their corn and milk
now they must give two-thirds of their children
and watch as they are consumed in the fire.

It’s the custom after all.

First published in Oddball

~~

Trick or Treat

They’re spilling like jewels
from the child proof jar,
multicoloured,
sugar coated,
Eat Me
treats.
Or are they tricks?
Try them
and you’ll find out
soon enough,
just suck them,
and you’ll see.

First published in Truly Unique