Halloweens Past

There was a time when flocks of ghouls
Came to my welcoming door
For candy, cakes or popcorn balls;
But  goblins come no more.

My bell won’t ring this Halloween.
I’ll hear no gleeful shout
From voices yelling trick or treat.
No witch or ghost about.

Six children used to live across
This self-same street from me.
They laughed that I could never guess
Whom each disguised could be.

Only adults are living now
Where children used  to play
The neighborhood has changed, its seems;
Growing older every day..

My own grandchildren used to come
To get their favorite treat.
My heart beat faster when I heard 
Their little scurrying feet.

I guess they have forgotten
This once loved time in the fall.
They take my great-grandchildren
Trick or treating at the mall.

Won 4th place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Mannan Avatar
November 21, 2010 at 4:49 AM
A perfectly true and sad image you have painted Joyce. Many congratulations for this super win.
Mehta Avatar
November 20, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Congratulations on this well deserved win, Joyce
Devonshire Avatar
November 20, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Trick or treating at a mall just isn't as much fun, Joyce. Wish the streets were safer so today's kids could enjoy the holiday the way we used to do. Congratulations on your well-deserved win! Love, Carolyn
Richards Avatar
November 20, 2010 at 1:07 PM
It just isn't the same as the Halloweens we remembered when we were young...aren't we lucky for such wonderful memories? Congratulations on this winning poem!
Sweetheart Avatar
November 20, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Congrats Joyce on your winning poem in Paula's contest with this exceptional entry luv.. a perfect piece to express the theme... Happy Thanksgiving to u and your family with luv..
Mehta Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 5:42 AM
Very creative and interesting write Halloweens of the past, Joyce
Kendrick Avatar
October 2, 2010 at 3:36 AM
Interesting write...I live rural so we have never had very many Halloween trick or treaters...My grandsons always came but both are too old for the make believe now..I have never heard of children going to a mall to trick or treat..This must be a new safe way to do this...I really enjoyed your write..It is kinda sad in that so many neighborhoods are changing to all elderly neighborhoods without the excitement of the small children that add so much life...Sara
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