The Eve of All Hallows

in the twilight of the year
            when all is night;
venture forth all those
          who flee the light


to dance, to prance and merry-make
o'er all the world 'fore dawn should break
to win, to woo, to fright, to thrall
and mysteries hid reveal to all


to scale the furthest, safest tower
and steal within most virtuous bower
the wary, cautious, shy to tempt
and rusting, dusting sleep prevent


and tear away from righteous "Nay"
and whisper soft, "come on, let's play!"