Halloween Child

Halloween mornings, Shining sun and cool breeze Blowing over sediments of dead leaves, Warm in color, At the mercy of the wind. A call from down the stairs Wakes me from a dream That I can’t recall. But the smell of chocolate Brings me to my feet. Once a year magic breaks loose, And the kids of the town transform. Vampires, ghosts, werewolves, Indiana Jones if you want. Imagination runs free for the day. I don’t have a costume, School’s a bore, I don’t need the sweets, Nothing more. Nothing to do but sit. It’s raining tonight, So what’s the point of going out? Everyone else soaks, And in the comfort of my room, I just sit and daydream. Suddenly a text. Wait, I forgot I was going to leave. My friends were calling me. Tonight we were gaming til dawn. I get the address and grab my dad. He’s got enough time to bring me there. Driving to the house in dead silence, I’m on my phone texting back and forth, And my father gives me a glare. I sigh and put it down, Knowing he wants to talk, But there was nothing to talk about. There’s never anything to talk about. A quiet drive ends at the house, As a dog claws the side of the car. Getting out, I meet my two pals At the front door. But something confused me. They were both dressed up And ready to head out. I guess plans have changed. They tell me to improvise a costume Hand me a bag And wait for me. So what do I wear? I look down at the bag, thinking. An ugly leaf monster hiding in the bushes? A king with a curtain cape and a stick for a staff? A juggling fool tossing balls above his head? Or just some high school kid? Then, a brilliant idea. I slip the bag on my head And head for the door, Prepared for the night. Yes, I said brilliant. Ah, Halloween, Different every year, But there’s always some constants. Cake, presents, A year of my life over, And I hate it all the same. 14 tiring, stressful years, But well, the bag thing was fun. Thank you, poetrysoup, for pushing me along. A little poem about the Halloween of 2019. And yes, all of this happened. Including the bag.