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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

A  Avatar
November 1, 2015 at 10:56 AM
Joyce, Congratulations on your Halloween win in Kelly's contest. SKAT
Canerdy Avatar
October 31, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Joyce, I really enjoyed this poem because it's well-written and descriptive AND because so much it resonates with me! Janice
Gentry Avatar
October 30, 2015 at 11:48 PM
Congratulations. I have great memories too. I remember the harmless pranks as well. Love it! ~ Susan
Muzzey Avatar
October 30, 2015 at 2:06 PM
Great write Joyce and congrats on you win. I remember momma telling me stories of this sort. She was lucky to get an old orange or apple or a handful of nuts; that was a big treat. I enjoyed reading. ~ Caryl
Deschler Avatar
October 30, 2015 at 1:17 PM
A wonderful poem filled with the fun and nostalgia that always accompanies Halloween!... I enjoyed your poem very much, Joyce. Congrats on a great win!
Kendrick Avatar
October 15, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Joyce, place a period in the upper left hand corner...That should correct the line-up of your poem...Don't know if this contest has been judged, if not good luck..I really enjoyed reading this one..Back in my day which was later on than the depression it was still hard times without much income..We got by and enjoyed life...Thanks for stopping by my blog.. I appreciate everyone's concern..Sara
La France Avatar
October 3, 2010 at 3:17 AM
I used to enjoy trick and treating in my childhood, children of today have no idea the fun it used to be, no fear back then, one time the lady who answered the door asked me to do a trick, I just stood there in shock.. trick .. just give me the candy.. I thought to self..
Babcock Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 9:35 PM
This takes me back to good old days in a small town where we did not do any trick or treating but I recall many outhouses turned over. Tomatoes thrown on the streets from raided garden and eggs thrown at buildings. Not fun for the clean up. God Bless Phyl
Freeman Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 12:02 PM
Joyce as beautiful and interesting a narrative as I have seen on soup. I love the neat narrow column, and just the general neatness in physical presentation you have formed. Good luck in contest with your presentation. Agape, Moses
Sweetheart Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 10:09 AM
It looks fine Joyce.. a great poem in keeping with the holiday theme as Paula requested... if u are still unhappy with the way it looks...take the centering away.. that might do it ..I had to on one of my poems to get it to sit right ..luv..
Roberts Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 9:44 AM
love it Joyce
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace