October 31st

Explosions of noise and light disturb this

Cold and foggy October night when all

Should be peaceful and quiet, under shawl

Of soft and gently falling winter mist.

The sudden bursts of sparks and smoke, then howls

Of laughter, echo round the mist-soaked road

As hooded figures abide by the code

To strike, slither away and slyly prowl

Round shadowed corners on this special date,

This hallowed meeting of all things pagan

And marketed modern public playpen

For youths routinely loitering, out late.

This is the night where ancient rituals

Are usurped by lesser pack animals.