Spirits of Halloweens Past

Surrounded by All Hallows adornments again,

Time really goes by so fast.

In the midst of this musing, I’m visited

by Spirits of Halloweens Past…

 

Those youngest days with my Daddy,

we’d traipse through the shadowy streets;

then later years with my comrades,

to partake in tricks and in treats

 

Back home there would be a mountain

of candy ~ three enormous bags full ~

brother, sister, me and Dad ~

from the treasure, our favorites pull

 

As teenagers and throughout college

a party became the tradition;

“growing up” was made easier

with youth-fueled fun transition

 

And now I can hear all the whispers

As I survey my own neighborhood

of the dear ones who live in my memories

some are here, and some gone for good.

 

So blessed am I to have these;

recollections of good times that last

I’m quite happy to be haunted

by Spirits of Halloweens Past

Author's Note

In the zone...

Reviews

[Pryde Foltz]

I’m quite happy to be haunted
by Spirits of Halloweens Past

Very nice.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Pryde.

[Lydia Shutter]

You have moved me to tears with this one, Rita. I, too, remember going door to door first with my Daddy while my mom gave out candy at home and in later years with my friends. Yes, there were parties when we were older, but those Halloweens of the past are still very sweet memories....bittersweet now that all the cherished family members are gone. You have a special talent for rhyming, my friend. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lydi. I am so glad to know that others have similar fond memories of childhood, and can relate to these bits of nostalgia.

[richom]

Thanks for the memories in your excellent poem. I remember a long, long, long time ago when our trick or treating was limited to just our immediate neighbors, all of whom knew one another. The really fun part were the pranks we'd play (regardless if they'd given us a treat or not). In today's uptight society, the police would have been called. Back then, everyone good-naturedly took the pranks (some of which were quite elaborate) as an expected part of Halloween. There were no bad feelings or complaining to the police--only the plotting of reprisals the following year.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep - that's how it was in our neighborhood too. I remember one year my mother's car had been "soaped", and she was glad to use that as a reason to wash it the next day... Thanks, Rich.

[TL Boehm]

this is a lovely poem - I have mixed feelings about Halloween - but not about this poem. This poem reminded me of what I loved about Halloween when I was a kid and when I was in college. Dressing up, trick or treating with my dad, candy till Christmas, the cheesy school haunted houses - it was so much fun ! That's the kind of haunting I'd be ok with. Great reminiscing here, Rita!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Tammy! Funny you should mention "cheesy school haunted houses", as our eighth grade is planning the annual haunted house at our school, and very excited they are! Such fun to see this holiday through their eyes... :)

[Angel]

To think that there are some folks who want to do away with Halloween...silly!!
On the grounds that it is "Satan's Day"????
Silly!
Can you even imagine how it must aggravate Old Satan, to see children dressed up and having fun, eating candy....on "his" day????

This is lovely, Hun! How we do treasure our Halloween memories...

[Rita L. Sev]

I am so happy to see all the kids still coming around on Halloween... I cannot imagine doing away with such fun! Thanks, Angel!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

I can totally relate to this... People ask why I love Halloween and Christmas so much, and I think that it really comes down to exactly what you have written here...it is the memories that I love and constantly attempt to cling to. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up; distinct, vivid memories, especially of Halloween and Christmas. You really brought me back into the zone with this one. A lovely piece indeed.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sarah. Yes, Halloween and Christmas especially - so full of memories in every sight, sound and taste... There's no going back, but the memories are so sweet...

[Sheila Kline]

This takes me back to Halloween eves of yesterday with such fond memories of those who are gone and those who are still with me, as you so dearly remember them in your poem. I absolutely love the "spirit" of this one....yes, it does pull on the heartstrings and makes me want to turn all my candy over to a charitable organization - that's how endearing it is!!!!
Lovely, really sweet!! I tip my Halloween hat to you!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sheila. Halloween was a holiday equally shared with family and friends, and I love seeing that continue in my neighborhood. Glad you have fond memories, too!

[Frieda P]

I certainly knew you could do it Rita, but who knew a Halloween poem that would also tug at the heartstrings!? Now this one was definitely a 'treat' from your pain my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Frieda, my pen was pulled in two directions with your challenge. Thus, two poems - and the reason it took so long! Thanks!

[Frieda P]

Um that was supposed to be 'pen' not pain, Freudian slip perhaps.... you did a great job Rita, I can't stump you it's clear to me.............!

[00000000000000000000000..]

That was awesome Rita took me back in time:) Them smiles always come at the rite time :) Thank you for sharing that wonderful write! Have a bless night you and family:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jon! I have great memories of Halloween... You have a blessed night, too! :)