Ghostly Castle

I took my children in October To a castle in the hills. We were enchanted by its splendor Awing grandeur and odd thrills. Purple plumes of smoke were pouring From big chimneys in the sky. The silver moon came out of hiding, Scary bats began to fly. I heard moans and groans and cackles Coming from the castle rooms, And I thought I saw some witches Flying wildly on their brooms. I gathered up my precious children, Fearing that one could be lost. With ghosts and goblins in the castle That would be too high a cost So I took them to a motel Where real folks were all about. Spooks on Halloween is something I for one can do without. I took a head count of my children And I seemed to have one more Than I did when we went bravely Through that big old castle door. I took him with us trick or treating Up and down the city street. He was already dressed in costume; Eye holes poked ito a sheet. I got them ready for the bathtub Before putting them to bed, And to help the little stranger, Pulled the sheet from off his head. I dropped the sheet and left it lying There upon the bathroom floor. When I turned to bathe the urchin He was not there any more. The next Halloween, my children Went trick or treating once again. I counted twice and there were four Where onlly my three should have been. So it's been forever, it is Just the same each Halloween. I take my children trick or treating With another in between. He's just as happy as the others With his bag of candy treats, But when I try to free him of them He's not there beneath the sheets. I am hoping when my children Such small pleasures have out grown, I'll still have the little stranger, I need not trick or treat alone. By Joyce