"Spooky Poems" October Lunchnotes 2023

 With miles to go,
far in between,

this step-mom preps early,

for Halloween.

She writes when she can,

in transit, on breaks,

whilst cycling, whilst nursing,

whilst cookies she bakes.

Her dear ones of heart,

those stepchildren, two,

live too far away,

daily hand-offs won’t do.

So a month in advance,

to the task down she sits,

haunted poems to write,

a stretch of her wits.

October tradition, 

so long since begun,

she used to write these,

when her eldest was young.

Now 14 years in,

and no end is in sight,

for Ivy and Xavier,

are both due equal fright!

Days of school for this month,

they’ll have 22!

So rhyming and ranting,

44 poems to do.

Having started too late,

she’s rushed and she’s raced,

long past midnight’s toll,

all the monsters she’s faced.

Then down on the page,

in scrawl of black pen,

the hauntings pour forth,

the page fills again.

Today, just in time,

for the mail to be sent,

she finished all 44,

this frazzled step-parent!

Now here, day by day.

through All Hallow’s Eve,

a poem or two,

on my page I will leave.

~Happy Hauntings~

1)

September fades to memory,

as midnight chimes the clock,

and in the dark and quiet,

a shadow slips the lock.

The shadow stretches cross the floor,

the door flings open, wide,

October’s Nightmares, come to life,

rush to get inside.

2)

The door on hinges, rasping,

creaks open, inch by inch,

you bolt upright, startled awake,

by a cold and clammy pinch.

You shriek to find you’ve gone quite mute,

your bedside lamp won’t light,

your limbs are frozen, cannot move,

there’s no escape tonight.

You feel the blankets moving,

breath caught, your body tense,

then…pounce!  The claws, the fur, the purr!

You’ve lost all common-sense!

3)

Candles flicker,

late at night,

in drafty windowsills.

Something waits there,

out of sight,

devouring its kills.

Through the silence,

comes a sound,

a moan, a squeak, a squeal!

Then feathers billow,

all around,

the fox has claimed his meal!

4)

Too late, last night,

you stayed awake,

tap-tapping on your phone.

Too loud, the sound,

with earbuds in,

you didn’t hear the moan.

Wrapped up, you were, 

in blankets warm,

you never felt the chill.

And so, alas,

you learned too late,

that it had come to kill.

5)

Never cross a black cat’s path,

nor under a ladder go,

Never step upon a crack,

the devil himself will know.

Never play the ouija board,

nor call the spirits near.

Never summon by palm or card,

lest the dark one should appear.

Never break a mirror,

or  a divining staff.

And never, ever, for fear itself,

ever serve me decaf!!!

6)

If ever your breath begins to hitch,

and under your skin you feel an itch,

I strongly suggest you run.

If ever your knees begin to shake,

and the ground begins to crack and quake,

it’s probably already begun.

If ever your mouth goes dry as bone,

and your throat lets loose a howl or moan,

too late!  I told you to run!

7)

Pull the covers close and tight,

from tip of toes to head.

Snuggle down, clear out of sight,

from the monsters that you dread.

Leave the nightlight burning bright,

check twice under your bed.

It’s no use, can’t quell the fright,

by morning you’ll be dead!

8)

Did you hear that snicker,

come echoing down the stair?

Did you feel that slither,

from underneath your chair?

Did you smell that sulfur,

from hot and heavy air?

Did you see a shimmer,

as it brushed past your hair?

Did you taste that bitter,

from empty dish right there?

Now you quake and shiver,

from inside your nightmare!

9)

Stealthy feet on creaky stair,

as quietly you sneak.

Woken to a real nightmare,

you stop to take a peek.

Terror grips you to the core,

as you shiver and shake.

The scratch of claws upon the door,

oh, this was a mistake!

Forward you go, you shall, you must,

for you’re all alone!

Surrounded by cobwebs and dust,

and the faint rattle of bone.

The threshold now, you finally reach,

the handle you must turn.

The door springs wide, you hear a screech.

by light of day you burn!

10)

The sun burns out, 

dusk settles in,

the mists begin to rise.

A cold wind blows,

the light grows dim,

you dare not close your eyes.

Go quickly now,

the graveyard trail,

look neither left nor right.

For if you fail,

and stray the path,

you’re sure to get a fright.

The graveyard’s full,

of hungry souls,

just waiting for a snack.

Should one foot slip,

on grave to step,

its undead will attack!

11)

Black as night,

fast as light,

fierce, ferocious beast.

Sharpened claw,

fang-ed maw,

hungry for the feast.

Born to slay,

stalks its prey,

hiding there, in wait.

‘Til unaware,

one wanders there,

poor mouse has sealed its fate!

12)

The midnight hour is coming fast,

and thus September fades to past.

October rises from the deep,

shakes off the cobwebbed bonds of sleep.

The ghost and ghouls and gremlins, too,

assemble, there grim work to do,

to rid the world of hope and light,

and trap us all in Hall’ween night.

13)

It was a dark and stormy night,

when heavy fog blocked out all sight.

You sat and read by candlelight,

and tried to not give in to fright.

But thunder roared, and lightning flashed,

you startled as the front door crashed.

Then something banged and something bashed,

quick up the stairs, as talons slashed.

You dove to hide beneath your bed,

with tucked up toes, and covered head.

But not you know you should have fled,

because you’re found, and now you’re dead!

14)

Past rusted gate,

up crooked stair,

through tangled vines,

past sign, “Beware!”.

Raise shaking hand,

to knock the door,

then tremble, wait,

for what’s in store.

The handle rasps,

door slowly creaks,

and from dark depths,

a rough voice speaks.

“Who dares to knock?

Why trespass here?

A fool must be!”, 

says crone, with sneer.

A bony hand,

there beckons you,

you pause, step in,

as you must do.

You risk too much,

might not survive,

no choice have you,

mail must arrive!

15)

Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore, 

lay in wait, beyond the door.

Threshold bare, no welcome here,

this old house the neighbors fear.

Spooky lights glow late at night,

giving passerbys a fright.

Its dark shadow casts a spell,

one wrong step, and straight to hell.

All month long it lies in wait,

tempting those who’d seal their fate.

Trespassed here, did we in jest,

now our souls will never rest.

16)

One step false,

one move wrong,

goes the cautionary song.

And they will fast awake.

Blink of eye,

bated breath,

this way leads only to death.

They rise, your soul to take.

Floor of fear, 

cold as ice,

trespass here and pay the price.

You’re knocking at hell’s door.

Headstones crack,

graves sink in,

sulf’rous fumes blast from within.

The undead rise once more.

17)

On a dark and winding path.

through a tangled wood,

few explorers dare to go,

really no one should.

In this tangled mess of trees,

a haunted house here lies,

behind a bracken, sharp with thorns,

hidden from passerbys,

I’ve heard told, a time or two,

of those who are missed,

trespassed in these woods, they did,

they could not resist.

Now stand I before its door, 

knocking once, then twice,

feel a hot breath at my neck,

blood runs cold as ice.

Then a scream, the silence breaks,

I turn and run away,

leave the mystery behind,

to live another day.

18)

In a panic you awoke and leapt right out of bed,

shaking off the nightmares, and cobwebs from your head.

Quick to dress, then fast downstairs, to breakfast you are late,

rushing in, then skid to stop, what’s this that for you waits?

The table bare, but for one bowl, beside an empty chair,

you gasp and groan, let out a moan, to see what’s plated there.

The dish is rancid, rotten through, naught there but worms and muck,

you lift the spoon and sniff it once, repulsed, you mutter “yuck”.

But this is all there is to eat, this bug-infested gruel,

because you’re now a student, at Brown County’s new Ghoul School!

19)

Pitter patter, tap tap tap,

in the dark of night.

Something’s scurrying about,

just beyond the light.

Gasp and grimace, tuck your feet,

blanket gathered close.

You can feel it, searching now,

slimy, wet and gross!

There! You feel it! By your leg!

What on earth was that?

Cold and clammy as it climbs,

Squeak!  Oh! It’s a rat!

20)

The underworld has woken up,

ghost, goblins, imps and trolls,

are hiding in plain sight all round,

in shadows, cracks and holes.

A simple job, they have to do,

to catch you unaware,

then drag your very soul to Hell,

forever to ensnare.

Should you fall prey to Halloween,

we need not say goodbye,

for you’ll be back, October 1st,

turned monster, when you die.

21)

The month of Halloween is here,

there’s so much work to do,

Cobwebs to hang, tombstones to clean,

and witch cauldrons to brew.

There’s gravedust to be sprinkled there,

and crossbones to be hung,

there’s poisons to be baked in sweets,

and death knells to be sung.

Be merry, little monstrous ones,

as doom and gloom you spread.

Remember, you’ve nothing to fear,

cause you’re already dead!

22)

“Beware!”, said the sign,

below the hill, 

but you paid it no mind.

“Beware!”, said the cat,

who passed you by,

but of it you were blind.

“Beware!”, said the crone,

as you trudged past,

you left her far behind.

Beware, you were not,

so foolishly,

and now you’re in a bind.

23)

From afar, the fog sets in.

enveloping the ground,

cold and clammy, dark and drear,

sightless all around.

Careful where you step, my child, 

lest in you enfold,

suck from you the very life,

leave you gray and cold.

24)

Here on this cold, unhallowed ground,

where witches gather all around, 

there grows no blade of grass.

Here where unholy rites are sung,

and dev’lish trickery begun,

no mortal soul can pass.

Here in this clearing thronged by trees,

midst tangled branches no one sees,

the Green Man soon will rise.

Called forth by curse of hag and crone,

inside a ring of ancient stone,

if wakened, all else dies!

25)

Did you squeal and squeak just now?

Are you a scaredy-cat?

Did you leap into a chair, 

because you saw a rat?

I’ve news for you, it isn’t good,

the rat was running away.

The thing you SHOULD be scared of,

has picked YOU as its prey!

26)

Welcome to our open house!

Welcome, one and all!

Careful on those rotted steps,

it’s a nasty fall.

Quiet now, don’t wake the dead,

best to let them sleep.

If they rise before midnight,

let’s just say they’ll creep.

Mind the spiders, bats and bones,

ambiance of course!

Don’t get lost or fall behind,

you’ll scream yourself hoarse!

Welcome to our Haunted House,

thanks for stopping by!

Whoops, forgot to warn you,

once inside, you die!

27)

The sun sinks low, and mist appear,

a harsh tempo of hoofs you hear.

Through dark and fog you strain to peer,

the steps crescendo, drawing near.

A whinny, sharp, cuts through the night.

A shadow, there! Just out of sight!

And then a glow, of orange, bright.

Is that…a pumpkin? Aloft?  Alight?

You gasp, remembering the lore,

rush back inside and slam the door,

as in the paddock you hear a road,

the headless horseman rides once more!

28)

Have you heard the story, old,

told each year when it turns cold,

of the bitter frozen night,

when they both vanished from sight?

Children, two, one girl, one boy,

made of barren twigs a toy,

fingers pricked upon a thorn,

dressed with bits of clothing, torn.

Words, enchanted, then they spoke,

gave the lifeless thing a poke.

Still, it lay there, like one dead,

cold, bored kids went home instead.

Not another thought they gave,

left abandoned at its grave,

to the poppet that they’d made,

as to sleep, two heads they laid.

Chime of midnight on the clock,

downstairs something slipped the lock.

Wicker Man of twig for bone,

entered with unearthly groan.

Up the stairs and to their room,

snatched before they knew their doom.

Dragged them out and far away,

with his creators e’er to play.

29)

If late at night you rise from bed,

breathless, gasping, full of dread,

you might be right to fear.

If breakfast makes you retch on sight,

ticking clock fills you with fright,

I’d hazard that it's near.

If now at desk you are ensnared,

then you right to be so scared,

the pop-quizzes are here!

30)

Out in the muck and mire,

far off the beaten path,

there’s an abandoned pyre,

built on unhallowed ground.

The warnings are quite dire,

don’t stray beyond the fence,

don’t go beyond the briar,

for wanderers get lost.

Risk not the Dark One’s ire,

by trespass in his wood,

the toll is death by fire,

a human sacrifice.

31)

Green grass withers,

leaves turn brown.

Summer shivers,

cedes her crown.

From the shadows,

Fall takes form,

stripping branches,

with its storm.

Robed in discards,

fur and bone,

comes the Reaper,

takes his throne.

Now October,

his to reign,

his rule terror,

hellfire, pain.

Undead armies,

he commands.

Human victims,

he demands.

If you’ve hope,

to stay alive,

beware the dark.

You might survive.

32)

October 1st,

the sky turned black,

across the field,

opened a crack,

and demons swarmed,

on the attack.

Each day was worse,

the death toll grew,

and in the dark,

survived but few,

until one day,

‘twas only you.

The last alive,

you tried to hide,

in crooks and corners,

time to bide,

alas, you failed,

and so you died.

Now with the horde,

of undead ghouls,

you learn that death,

has its own rules,

your fate is sealed,

you’re off to school.

33)

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, 

in the mirror, waits,

with a dare, among the foolish,

her death trap she baits.

One poor girl will takes the bargain,

play the age-old game,

in the mirror, in the dark room,

three times call her name.

Bloody Mary, Bloody Mary,

Bloody Mary, rise!

From the mirrored depths come answer,

one who for you cries!

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

thrills to hear her name.

From reflection, takes on substance,

her victim to claim.

A single scream the silence breaks,

Mary’s face appears,

through broken glass she drags the girl,

leaves naught but bloody smears.

34)

Greetings, dear friend!

I hope this finds,

that you are yours are well!

I must admit,

I’ve been concerned,

now that they’ve opened Hell.

This month is harsh,

so cold, so dark,

and deadly, amiright?

With these demons,

all chasing us,

hunting through Hall’ween night.

At any rate,

I miss you friend,

and if you’re still alive,

I’ll see you soon!

November 1st!

That is, if you survive.

35)

Here the angels fear to tread,

demons walk these halls instead.

Here no pity can be found, 

built upon unhallowed ground.

Here they feast upon your fear,

terrors, fresh, each day appear.

Here the very nightmares rules,

for nothing’s scarier than school!

36)

As summer’s splendor fades to gold,

there rises he of legend, old.

October 1st, he wakes and walks,

upon the fields of harvest, stalks.

With scythe and sickle by his side,

you’d do well to run and hide.

He’ll snare your soul by hook or crook,

undead you’ll be, like all he took.

For one month long, he’ll rule by fear,

Beware!  The Grim Reaper is here!

37)

Wings of black,

flutter by,

shades and shadows in the sky.

Duck your head,

crouch down low,

shield your eyes, as by they go.

Prey they seek.

All with breath,

from this flock, risk sudden death.

Feathers sharp,

talons long,

fear we all the ravens’ song.

38)

Twelve chimes on the old clock sound,

you hear it echo all around,

and shiver where you lay.

Heavy steps on creaky stair,

with hands on flashlight you prepare,

this monster you must slay.

Shadow pauses at your door,

you watch it stretch across the floor,

gasp once, then hold your breath.

Handles rattles, you shrink back.

A voice calls out, across the black, 

“Time’s Up! Phone’s Sudden Death!”

***Parental lock in effect!***

39)

Boarded windows,

rusted gate,

decrepit house,

just lying in wait.

All who pass by,

turn away,

none trespass here,

by night or by day.

Here lived witches,

stories told.

This house was evil, 

in the days of old.

Spelled and summoned,

brick by brick,

built of hell-stone,

by a wicked trick.

In its hey-day,

candy-bright,

from eves to shutters,

it was quite a sight.

Beckoned children,

through its door,

once temped in,

were seen nevermore.

Now there’re neighbors,

just moved in,

arrived by night,

all unpacked within.

A welcome meal,

you drop by,

they with sharp smiles,

at the door reply.

"Come in,", they coax,

“for a bite?”

“It’s Company,

for Dinner, tonight!”

40)

Black as pitch, 

thick as tar,

dark as Night without a star.

All alone,

you lie awake,

fearful even a breath to take.

Try to rise,

hit your head,

realize you’re not in bed!

Scream for help!

Start to weep!

None can hear, you’re six feet deep!

41)

Black cat on the fence does sit,

yowling at the sky.

Only she, fierce guardian,

sees the witches fly.

Arching back, with talons out,

she fair warning gives.

“Under my protection are,

any who here lives!”

Swish of broomsticks overhead,

cackle cut by fright,

your familiar bears witness,

to the witches flight.

42)

Long past the time for sleeping,

you lie awake in bed.

A thousand made-up terrors,

stampeding through your head.

There’s goblins, ghouls and monsters,

all waiting in the night.

And hordes of ghosts and zombies,

beyond them, out of sight,

They’re waiting for your eyes to close,

you dare not drift nor doze.

Lest they carry you to hell,

dragging you by your toes!

All October long they’ll wait,

every night by your bed.

31 sleepless days and nights.

Stay awake, or…you’re dead!

43)

Crumbling tombstones line the path,

cutting right through the trees,

to a place where nothing grows,

none living ever sees.

Here within the deep, dark woods,

just past the empty glade,

lies a cavern, open wide,

where light and sound both fade.

Sulf-rous fumes and roiling mists,

spew out from this gaping maw.

Lining every surface round,

is glint of beak or claw.

Here the Beasts of Nightmare wait,

upon October’s spell,

to be cast by Summer’s death,

freeing them all from Hell.

Forth they’ll scurry from this place,

by wing, by tail, by hook,

souls to snatch.  Then back again,

to Hell with those they took!

44)

Don’t forget to bring your flashlight!

And bring your phone as well!

The night is full of dangers, dear.

Which ones? You never can tell!

Stay in a group, as off you go,

don’t linger or fall back!

It’s waiting at the outskirts, dear,

a hungry and endless black.

Stay on the sidewalks where there’s light,

don’t risk the other side!

Those houses that are shuttered, dark,

that’s where bad things go to hide!

Walk quickly now, up to each door,

and utter “Trick or Treat!”, 

and when the bowl is offered you,

don’t dare take more than one sweet!

Do keep your mask on, nice and tight.

You’ll blend in rather well.

They’ll never guess, my monstrous dear,

that we’ve come straight from Hell!