The Scariest Thing I Saw on Halloween

Little ones crept to my porch, looking back to mom or dad, or big sis, then slowly reached for my doorbell button. Most let go verbally with some variation of Trick-or-Treat from behind pirate masks, monster masks, or make-up piled on liberally by mom and dad. Most were having a great time, giggling as I dumped more candy in their bags. Most thought that Halloween was a grand night. But not all.

Amid the majority of happy children celebrating this day of gathering candy, and the prior days (if not weeks) creating a costume, there were a few that broke my heart.

They came in hand with parents who told them when to move to my porch, when to climb the steps, and when to ring my doorbell. They looked back to see if it was now okay to say Trick-or-Treat. After the pronouncement, they looked again to see if they had said it too loud, too soft, not fast enough, or too fast. Every action was followed by a moment of dread, anticipating a correction for unknown trespasses.

Earlier in the day I witnessed throngs of pint-sized ghouls and goblins traversing the local walking mall. Mom's and Dads parading their young ones from merchant to merchant, hitting as many establishments as time would allow. Mostly happy, and nearly all excited. Except a few.

A few small charges were tired and in tears. Yet others shed tears while a well meaning but misguided parent berated them for removing a mask and "spoiling the effect." Capes were re-attached to Supergirls and Superboys, accompanied by admonishments for removing them, or getting them dirty. (How dare they spoil what mom had been planning for weeks!)

The gaiety wafted over most of the town, bringing laughter and much anticipated memories of the night. Candy would be savored, and a few choice pieces saved for last. For most.

I saw the spooks and related events that infiltrate this dark celebration. But the scariest thing I witnessed that night was look of innocence lost on the faces of some. Hopes of fun and aching smiles were now dashed and shattered by the knowledge that mom would not approve of something, dad would upset, maybe because the mask was too hot to wear.

I saw children frightened by the lore of the holiday, and creepy costumes. But the scariest thing I saw on Halloween night was the face of a five year old, longing for parental approval that would surely never come. When, oh when will the darkness end.