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All Hallow's Eve

It was at the stroke of midnight
when they gathered at the iron gate
Each donned in Halloween costumes
All Hallow's Eve, to celebrate

Walking into the misty graveyard
Thirteen young kids in all
for what was to be a childhood prank
but would they live to tell the tale?

Some of them were brave and cocky
some were scared...and rightly so
for what lurks amongst the tombstones

these thirteen were soon to know

The fog grew thicker each step they took
the air grew heavy and cold
They kept together and strode further in
Now..this is what I've been told

Their plan, to move some headstones
thinking it was harmless enough
So they searched for a few, not noticing
their number was down to twelve

Shining their lights upon the stones
'Were these poor souls in hell or heaven?'
As they read out loud the epitaphs
this foolish group of eleven

They chose a stone and another nearby
Rearranging them with laughter and glee
So caught up in their silly prank
unaware, they were missing three!

With those in place, and still lots of time
they thought they'd do it again
so two more stones to move around
No longer thirteen kids, but nine

An owl hooted from a crooked limb
and many of them jumped in fright
thinking maybe this wasn't such a good idea
Huddled together, the remaining eight

Finally someone noticed, a few were gone
calling out, with a screaching shout
Did they sneak away home, or was it something else?
for seven was now the count

They all agreed, that it was time to go
no reply coming from their missing friends
They headed back to the iron gate
Six trembling, clutching onto hands

They began to run, their hearts pumping wild
not knowing if their friends were alive
But they knew they'd have to get out of there
as a hand slipped away, leaving only five

The night grew darker, clouds covered the moon
blocking out any remaining light
Hearing rustles in the trees and on fallen leaves
another to be gone from sight

And there, the gate, in front of them
They ran to it as fast as they could
If they only got out of the graveyard's reach
At least three would be safe.......
knock on wood

Another hand slipped away, so silently
How could they not have seen him go?
Not a scream, not a gasp, no tug to hold on
The last two fearing, they were soon to KNOW!

Though the gate seemed near, just a few more yards
and soon they'd at least be free
But it appeared to be slowly closing shut
As only one was left to flee

Dressed as the grim reaper, this last one was
alone, reaching the heavy, wrought iron gate
He closed it with a loud, heavy clang
and returned to the darkened estate

So if you're thinking of visiting a graveyard
This, or any other Halloween night
Maybe think twice about who comes along
You might be in for one hell of a fright!

Learn more about this author, Penny B.
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