Cassandra R. D'Alessandro

All Hallows’ Eve,

Tonight, the dead roam freely in the world of the living.

The full moon shines against the darkness of the night. 

Scattered clouds float by, masking all starlight.

What is lurking in the shadows? 

What hides between the bare branches of the trees? 

Fear creeps into even the bravest hearts, 

As the veil to the otherworld parts. 

A thick fog covers the world, 

Allowing the ghouls and ghosts to hide in plain sight.  

Tonight, they haunt the living.

Causing mayhem, unforgiving. 

Creeping up old staircases, 

Hiding under beds. 

Watching children sneak down for more candy, 

While adults pour another glass of brandy.

They reach out with long fingers, 

Sending shivers down spines. 

Their cold touch leaves an invisible mark, 

One only few will hark. 

What is truth, and what is an illusion? 

Tonight, no one will know. 

Magic has slithered in like a serpent,  

The fae eager to make humans subservient. 

Ready to play tricks on foolish mortals,

Faeries blend in with party guests. 

Taking the sleeping child, 

Replacing him with something wild.

Tonight, the raven caws, 

An omen for the living.

Announcing the arrival of the spirits, 

Her voice cries out her lyrics. 

The witches gather with their covens, 

Lighting bonfires in the fields.

Dancing with their protective bells,  

Casting, brewing up mighty spells. 

Howling to the full moon, 

The werewolves are shifting.

Watch out for their sharp teeth, 

For they take all they bite back with them down beneath. 

Bats fly from tree to tree, 

The vampire is prowling. 

He seeks out those who bleed, 

Tonight, he is greedy with his feed. 

Sleep with one eye open, 

Be careful who you meet. 

The night welcomes demons,

While the veil between worlds weakens.  

Light your Jack O’Lanterns. 

Lock your doors and windows.

Remember, do not be so naive,

On this dark, dark All Hallows’ Eve.