Trick or Treat!

When mist-mellowed October moonlight's aglow,
And candles are lit in the pumpkins, you'll know
That Halloween's here and the haunting begins!
The night brings the tricksters. Don't lock yourself in!

We come to the doors and we ring or we knock
At every warm house we can see on the block.
We're goblins and witches with hissing black cats.
We're zombies and spiders and big red-eyed bats.

We're pale-skinned vampires of Dracula's ilk,
And neck-punctured ladies in burial silks.
We're Frankenstein monsters and pirates and ghosts.
You must fill with goodies the loot-bags we tote!

Candy is dandy and soda pop's swell.
A doughnut or slice of a cake will do well.
Cookies and brownies and popcorn balls too,
You can be sure that these also will do.

But if there's no treats there will surely be tricks!
Your lights will go out and your pumpkins get kicks.
You'll understand this: The meaning is clear
When burning poop bags on your front porch appear.

We'll TP your bushes, we'll TP your trees,
You'll suffer our tricks until you're on your knees!
We'll wax all your windows and egg all your walls
Until there are treats or the sheriff is called.

But when he is gone and twelve midnight draws near,
The haunting resumes! Don't fail us next year!
This warning is writ so you'll know what we need
When we knock on your door and we shout,
"Trick or treat!"