The Homemade Costume: A Halloween Poem

Mom said, "Use your imagination
To dress for the Halloween Celebration!
That way your costume will be unique
You won't be just some store-bought freak!"

What shall I wear?
What shall I wear?
I must prepare my
Costume with care!

In peaked hat, some pointy shoes,
A witches' costume is what I choose!
Or toss a sheet atop my head,
I'll be a Halloween spirit instead!

No that won't do!
No that won't do!
I must create a
Disguise that's true!

I'll put a cloak upon my head
And carry a Jack-O-Lantern instead!
I'll ride a horse and folks will say
A Sleepy Legend rides this way!

But that's too much!
Yes, that's too much!
Besides the horse and I
Aren't in Dutch...

I know! I'll get a paper sack
And make a vest to cover my back
I'll cover my front with a soft white towel
With my spectacles I can be an owl!

HooHoo! I'll shout!
HooHoo! I'll say!
And scare my folks
And friends away!

I'll climb up in the old oak tree
And Trick-or-Treaters will not see me!
That is until someone shouts "Boo!"
And I'll reply "HooHoo! HooHoo!"

And then they'll look
And then they'll see
But they will never
Know it's me!

I'll stand up on that limb so high,
My paper wings spread 'cross the sky!
I'll screech a terrifying tune,
My spectacles gleaming in the moon!

Oh how they'll gape!
Oh how they'll gawk!
As they stand transfixed
Upon the walk.

Then I can just hear my dear old Dad!
"Get out of that tree! Have you gone mad?"
And Mom, "He used his imagination!"
Dad: "Someday that'll get him probation!"

HooHoo! I'll shout!
HooHoo! I'll say!
But I know my Dad
Won't go away!

So down I'll climb and off we'll go
To Trick those Treaty houses all in a row
And I will trick them at each house
Unless they treat me with a mouse!

For I'm a mighty bird of prey!
Yes, I'm a mighty bird of prey!
I hunt by night and sleep by day!
So hold forth with a mouse, I say!

"Sheesh!" Dad will groan
And Mom will shudder
And the neighbors
Silent curses utter.

And Dad will say, "I told you so!
Just buy him a costume! But, NO!
He has to use his imagination
And Treat us to this indignation!"

I have to think!
I have to read!
An owly Trick
Is what I'll need...

But Hark! I hear someone outside.
My bedroom door is opening wide.
It's Dad! And he bears a Halloween sack
It's big and fat and orange and black!

"Your Mom warned.."
Dad starts and stops
"Told me you might
Need some props."

"For me?" I shout "For me?" I cry!
I grab the sack and look inside!
A Medieval Executioner Costume With Chains!
Good ol' Dad's come through again!