Halloweens of Old

. I remember when Halloweens Were all tricks and no treats. The farmers for the most, too poor To hand out many sweets. Our mama sometimes let us have Some apple bobbing parties, Or made us her good popcorn balls. Our appetites were hearty. The big boys went out later on A little fun to find. If there was a bit of mischief Our neighbors didn’t mind. It was funny to see odd things On the barn roofs the next day. The fellows really meant no harm. It was a form of play. My daddy would make them go back The neighborhood around And offer to go on the roofs To get machinery down. My daddy hated having the Outhouse toppled over. To help him guard against this trick, He would untie old Rover. Rover was protective, he would Give chase to miscreants. Next day at school we’d look for kids With patches on their pants. Pants that were torn, still must be worn. Their mammas did their best To keep their children clothed and schooled And did without the rest. No money for fancy costumes Not even a paper mask. No one gave us store bought candy. We didn’t think to ask. In the midst of the depression We got along with what we had. We found our fun on Halloween And it was not all bad. poem 2 for paula's challenge