See the Children

See the children run around doing mischief.

The cars are all soapy windowed.

See the wild costumes as they pass.

Eggs hit the windows of those who are not home.

Toilet paper in the tree, and around the fence posts.

See the big smiles as they run around yelling.

See the slightly strained smiles of the adult victims.

For they must clean it up.

No, this is not today.

It was 1944.

The boys over turned the garbage cans, and soaped windows.

Eggs were thrown at windows of homes and cars.

This was before the days of razor blades and poison candy.

The adults said - "Heck, it's Halloween, and only once a year."

The older boys had to help clean up the mess.

For we little ones, it was trick or treat, just like now.

Today, I enjoy their happiness.

And love the more ingenious costumes that they wear.

My mother made most of mine.

It was a lot of fun.

I hope it still is in this day when they mostly go to malls.

Or indoor parties where parents can keep them safe.

Sharon Pribble