‘Tis All Hallows’ Eve and in true scary fashion,
the wind is a’ howlin’ with fury and passion.
The moon’s begun waning, but still lights the way,
for our loved ones who’ve passed to the ‘other side’ of the bay.
Up from the floorboards, through ceilings and walls,
they knock on the windows and shriek down the halls.
There’s laughing, and singing, and regular howls;
if we didn’t know better, it might clench our bowels.
‘Tis their annual visit. They come once a year.
On the thirty-first of October, when it’s easiest to appear.
Two Anns and one Otto, three Roses and Abe,
Aunt Zelda and Tina and Vito, a.k.a. Dave.
The Willys and Johnnys, the Franzes, Gwinnells,
With Weidners and Omi, they assure us all’s well.
Berta+Paul Weidner, Franz Xaver Rieg, Otto+Ann Weidner, Josefa “Omi” Hein, Vito “Dave” Lambo, Rose+Ross Lambo, Wilibald Konrad
Tina Kraker-Blum, Otto Weidner
More souls arrive. We party into the night
With swooping and swaying, a paranormal sight.
Till just before dawn, when the ruckus calms down,
Not only at home, but all over town.
The candles, still burning, flicker twice then stretch high,
When Mom clears her throat, then begins with a sigh,
“For all gathered here, this eve’s been a treat—
Though for you, our dear loved ones, perhaps it’s bitter-sweet.
So let me assure you, we are always nearby,
Just put out your hand and close your eyes.
Feel our breath in the wind, hear our words in a song,
The trick is to know us—have faith—you are strong.
We whisper in dreams, in a butterfly’s flutter,
In brooks we may babble, or sigh—sometimes, mutter.
We send you our love through the smile of another—
Friends, neighbors, strangers—even someone else’s mother.”
Then as fast as they came, they disappear in a second,
Leaving us alone—or not—what do you reckon?
Who are you expecting tonight? Carve out those jack-o-lanterns, turn out the lights and see who shows up–laugh, dance, sing–and let me know how it went.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all and to all a good night…
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
Very nice…
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Wie wunderschn….und trstlich……..DANKE……
In Liebe Ute Anori
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As a children’s author, you strike just the right balance between silliness and seriousness. Love it!
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Thank you Alexa! Coming from you, this means A-LOT!
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Good job my sweet friend… Hope you have lots of treats and no tricks 😉
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And the same for you!
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Love it, Donna!! Happy Halloween!
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Hi Donna, Loved your “Halloween Treat”, beautifully written!
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Thanks Deb…and I hope you and your family have been spared any true hardship in the wake of Sandy’s wrath. Growing up, I always felt like Staten Island was the safest place in the world. For me, this is monster double whamy storm is reconfirmation that Mother Nature is not happy with the way her children are treating her. Love to you all.
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Really great poem. You brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for including them. Love you! I hope they enjoyed the party.
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Fabulous poem. Reminded me to pause and be grateful for the “love sent through the smile of another” (even if it is just the goofy smile of Uben H.!)
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Yup…dog smiles work too!
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Failed to mention that I LOVE your photos!
THEY, will always be with us! ❤️
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LUGS!
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