He with the brains of a spicy pie
Winks with his candle at passersby,
Keeping the secret of who is who
Out on the night in a motley crew.
Pirates are searching for treasure sweet,
Breathlessly calling out, “Trick or Treat”.
Black cats and witches and toothless hags
All come equipped with their gaping bags.
Convoyed and timid, the new recruits
Nourish this custom’s archaic roots.
Those now too grown-up to thus explore
Get to stay home and to tend the door.
Tricks or Treats