Halloween's Mask of Comfort

In a house beside the forest lives a woman and her son

He is scarred by burns and fire – hidden kept from everyone

There is land where he can wander far away from prying eyes,

But he misses friends to play with; all alone he often cries.


That is why he gets excited at the thought of Halloween

He can mix with other children without fear of being seen.

Mother picks the perfect costume that will fit his height and size

Then she adds a mask for comfort – the completion of disguise.


The boy behind the mask wishes every day was Halloween

He'd gladly offer friendship to any child who wasn't mean

But he knows that one day he will be too old for trick or treat

And he prays each morn to see the sunshine on a public street

 
Even though he realizes his wish may never be fulfilled

For he'd have to learn to avoid stares and let confidence build

After reading the sad tale of Frankenstein, he sheds a tear

As he can relate to Frankenstein and sees him as a peer

 
And so he keeps reading stories of people judged by their looks

His greatest fear is what will happen when he runs out of books


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This is a collaboration between Paul Callus & Carolyn Devonshire
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Volumes Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 5:33 PM
Capturing the plight of so many with disfigurements, you gave an insight into the joy that can be achieved wearing a mask when all others do also. Then the let down and despair when it's time to discard the mask and become an outcast once more. Beautifully written, enlightening, and touching. True light and shade with the mixed emotions one feels as they read your brilliant work.
Callus Avatar
July 9, 2022 at 5:28 AM
Thank you for the meaningful feedback, Wendy. Co-writing with Carolyn has been an uplifting experience. She will be missed by many Soupers after her relatively recent passing away. ~ Warm regards // paul
Marine Avatar
November 19, 2019 at 3:23 AM
Such a sensitively observant poem, Paul - reminds me of the movie-"A man without a face..." Humans lose sight of the person hidden beneath a mask of tragedy...We need interactions with other humans, to develop the inner person, and to be able to find ourselves as individuals - this insensitivity is the tragic result of society being shallow, and inhumane. Very touched by this poem. (((Hugs))) Aqua M.
Callus Avatar
November 23, 2019 at 3:14 PM
Thank you Aqua for your lovely and insightful comments...a worthy contribution to this poetic collaboration. Have a lovely weekend. Regards // paul
Williams Avatar
April 21, 2017 at 10:32 PM
You have so many wonderful poems to read Paul. and I will probably take a while to go through them. I opted for your best poems list to start with, and this one just blew me away. I felt so much for this little boy, and the sadness and loneliness that he must feel for the rest of the year. I particularly like your strong ending. A 7++ and a Fav
Callus Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 5:34 PM
I am so pleased you liked this poem, Maria. It's written in collaboration with Carolyn; we often find ourselves on the same wavelength! Thank you for your support and the high rating which includes the fave:) Regards // paul
Hicks Avatar
February 29, 2016 at 10:42 PM
This was a really neat story. It's endearing and unique, and I thought it captivating how you twisted it around where kids often wear ghoulish masks and costumes to scare people ... while for this little boy it's his excuse to be out in public. It sorta brings to mind about the boy who complained that he didn't have any shoes ... until he met the boy that didn't have any feet. Excellent ending couplet.
Callus Avatar
March 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Thank you Timothy....you read the poem with a great sense of 'observation'. I only wrote the first two stanzas; Carolyn did the rest. She has been off Soup for a few months, but I'm hoping that she will be back; we have some more co-writes ready for posting, one of them recently written. ~ Regards // paul
Cook Avatar
May 15, 2015 at 2:56 PM
sad but beautiful write
Callus Avatar
May 15, 2015 at 4:48 PM
Thank you, Debbie. Have a nice weekend. // paul
Moore Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 12:47 PM
You are the second poet I have put on my favorite poets list. Your rhyming doesn't lose the touch of the poem, and instead adds to it. Super delightful to read your work. Happy seven for me.
Callus Avatar
May 13, 2015 at 2:39 PM
Thank you for finding my work to your liking, Trenton; also I appreciate you putting my name in your fav poet list. All the best. // paul
Wheeler Avatar
April 12, 2015 at 9:58 PM
I truly enjoyed this one Paul. It's kind of a funny thing: Somewhere around the second stanza I had mental images of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Elephant Man, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And then by the 4th stanza you draw a parallel between those very same types of fictional archetypes! Well done sir
Callus Avatar
May 3, 2015 at 2:10 PM
I like your insightful comments, Ronald! Glad that you enjoyed. All the best. // paul
 Avatar
April 11, 2015 at 8:41 PM
I made a video representing this poem visually, check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XjFAoWg6Po
Deschler Avatar
November 11, 2014 at 1:32 AM
I would add this wonderful poem to my favorites list, but it is already there! I'm happy to see that it placed high in Diane's contest. Congratulations to you both on a well deserved win!
Callus Avatar
November 11, 2014 at 11:34 AM
Thank you Kelly...you are kind and supportive!! With some people it's fun to co-write....and you're one of them:) hugs // paul
De La Luna Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM
Congratulations, Paul, for this beautiful piece with a great story. Yes, masks, can be comforting, but behind that mask is a soul wanting acceptance.
Callus Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 7:52 AM
Thank you Hija, especially for the insightful read. Have a nice day. // paul
Thirtyseven Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 7:04 AM
Sorry about the late announcement of the winners. However while I thought this a wonderfully worded piece of poetry, I was hoping for more originality, though your last line did ride in on a white stallion and save the day (how's that for clichéd?). Beautiful write, keep up the collaborations.
Callus Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 8:03 AM
Thank you Scott; working with Carolyn is always an enjoyable experience! // paul
Gorelick Avatar
November 9, 2014 at 5:11 PM
Oh wow, a sad story...you two make a great team..congrats. BG
Callus Avatar
November 10, 2014 at 8:01 AM
Thank you Barbara; so glad you enjoyed. Have a nice day. // paul
Allison Avatar
November 9, 2014 at 4:27 PM
many congrats on your place in Scotts contest - such a wonderful collaboration makes me emotional reading it again:-( hugs jan xx
Callus Avatar
November 9, 2014 at 4:56 PM
Thank you for the lovely wishes, Jan, and for coming back for another read. hugs // paul
Andresen Avatar
November 6, 2014 at 12:09 PM
- A little late ..... But, I will congratulate you with a 2nd place Paul and Carolyn - a great winning poems! - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Callus Avatar
November 7, 2014 at 8:20 AM
Thank you Anne Lise....time does not count:) Your visit and wishes are much appreciated! Take care and have a lovely weekend. /x/ paul
Nance Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Congrats! Wonderful write Paul and Carolyn!
Callus Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 4:11 PM
Thank you Casarah! I believe that you and Tim finished on the same podium as us:) // paul
Smith Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 7:22 PM
Congrats Carolyn and Paul
Callus Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 4:12 PM
Thank you Tim! Both you and Casarah finished on the same podium as us:) // paul
Meier-Hans Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 6:53 PM
I could just see that poor child and how happy that he must of felt on Halloween. Great story with a beautiful message. Congratulations to the both of you.
Callus Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 4:14 PM
Hi Brenda; thank you for stopping by with congrats and I'm pleased that you enjoyed our co-write. Take care. // paul
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 1:24 PM
Dropping back with my congrats Carolyn and Paul:-) Hugs Jan xx
Allison Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 2:01 PM
Don't rub it in Paul ... I am sitting here with a jumper and a blanket!!!! :-( Hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 1:42 PM
Thank you Jan; I see you're back home, enjoying the warmth of the house while outside the cold makes its presence felt! At this time, you would have been in Times Square:) hugs // paul
Locksley Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 1:18 PM
So deserving of a win. Your poem is very moving and it's a totally different take on the contest theme. Congratulations!
Callus Avatar
November 4, 2014 at 2:10 PM
Many thanks Diane; very pleased to be on your winners' list. Looking forward to your next contest:) // paul
Devonshire Avatar
September 6, 2014 at 9:50 AM
Just thanking poets for their kind comments on our co-write, Paul. Writing with you is a joy! We seem to be in sync with our poetic styles.
Callus Avatar
September 6, 2014 at 2:54 PM
Thank you Carolyn! Writing with you comes easy, apart from the fact that it is a pleasure! The positive response to our write has surpassed my expectations, and augers well for our message in receiving greater awareness. hugs. // paul
Thomas Avatar
August 24, 2014 at 11:50 AM
This is actually a very significant topic... We have a chapter in school about a person coming to terms with a similar tragedy... Hope someday such kids would be able to walk with their heads held high..,
Callus Avatar
August 24, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Yes, it is a significant topic and I am glad that students are being made aware of similar life-problems. Already physically impaired people have made giant strides forward; it is hoped that other fields will gain success, too. // paul
Duncan Avatar
August 20, 2014 at 6:07 PM
You both did an awesome job , hello Paul :)
Callus Avatar
August 23, 2014 at 3:21 PM
Hi Debbie...so lovely to see you stopping by; missed you; still on the look out for new posts of yours, but so far with no success;) Hope you had a nice weekend. Thank you for the positive comment....from us both. // paul
Chircop Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 6:11 PM
You and my sweet friend Carolyn did an original and fantastic job with this poem..It really captures my soul to see the hidden beauty of a person..Not to judge the book by the cover..Yes the more We mature ,the more we can appreciate true beauty for what it is and not for what it represents..Going to my favs
Callus Avatar
August 23, 2014 at 3:26 PM
Thank you for the insightful comments and the fav, Charm:) Your continued support and encouragement are very much appreciated. Both Carolyn and I found it easy collaborating on this poem and we are pleased with the end result. Hope you had a lovely weekend. // paul
Dietrich Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 4:21 PM
when he runs out of books, I will give him cable tv. IF he is like me, he will be so busy trying to watch all the shows, he will never keep up. Seriously, though, this is GREAT!! And your theme is so thoughtful.
Callus Avatar
August 23, 2014 at 3:41 PM
Thank you Andrea, Carolyn is easy to work with and always knows where she's heading for. [all I watch on cable nowadays is sport; don't seem to have much time left for anything else!] // paul
Devonshire Avatar
August 21, 2014 at 4:35 PM
Paul deserves credit for the theme. It is such a pleasure writing with him!
Lamoureux Avatar
August 17, 2014 at 7:52 AM
I am greatly moved by this piece Paul. I believe this is one of the best poems I have read in a while. I am impressed by this collaboration, you should both be proud,
Callus Avatar
August 23, 2014 at 4:28 PM
These of yours are very encouraging comments, Richard. I am sure Carolyn shares my same sentiments. Thank you for another welcome visit! // paul
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