Ysbrydnos - A Halloween Poem

The laughter of children rings off of the pavement,
small faces concealed by bright makeup and masks.
But spirits are coming, best not to forget them,
because they remember your secrets unasked.

The ones you abandoned, and sins from the old year,
the things you've concealed in your fear and your shame.
The spirits remember, they wander and whisper,
walk barefoot through ivy, and call out your name.

Stay clear of the churchyard, and far from the crossroads,
beware the pale woman who's missing her head.
Be mindful of night time, the moon-overhead time,
go light all your candles to honor the dead.

Give thanks for the old year, prepare for the new one,
remember the names in your family's tome.
Remember the spirits, the ones who are watching,
in graveyards and streets and this Halloween poem.