This Halloween

They skulk in shadows, those with hideous painted faces

But 'tis now this Halloween and they'll not be so evasive

And on this frightful night akin to the Grand Guignol

They'll play their gruesome part and take a bloody toll

So all the frightened little witches, ghosts and ghouls

Should run for cover to escape these demonic fools

With their trick or treat, no treats, just tricks

They will shatter glass with flying bricks

A jester's harmless humour, their aim is neither

As they walk the streets with meat slicing cleavers

With their sinister smiles and malevolent eyes

On whitened features the daubed crimson cries

Safe for now this evening, your street is quiet

Mayhap you're calm, mayhap your heart's a riot

Bolt the door to repel the night, if you desire

But from afar "trick or treat", a shrill childrens' choir

Are you alone? For 'tis now this Halloween

And those out wandering have thoughts obscene

But surely creepy clowns wouldn't hunt in packs

So you'll be fine...... a thud; a window cracks!

Cold sweat, hot flesh, a breath caught in shock

A motionless moment; on your door a knock, knock, knock

A death knell chimes from a church bell tower

Pitch black; darkness reigns; someone's cut the power!

Tinkling, falling, shattered glass

Etched your fear, on your face, aghast

But 'tis now this Halloween, no treats, just tricks

As somewhere, close by, a cut-throat flicks

There're hideous guises, with saliva dribbling

With manic grins, but no one's giggling

And the glutinous whitening of sanity's lost

And gone for good, like the sun-drenched frost

The vile creeps are abroad in towns to woodland glades

Carrying knives and razors and butchers blades

And now your last scream has been curtailed

And 'tis not the sweet air, but your blood inhaled

For those alone on this Halloween

Fear not the crazed clowns of a disturbing dream

So sleep well tonight, but turn the lock

And worry not of the knock, knock, knock