The world is cloaked in black and gold tonight,

and pumpkin eyes are lit by candlelight.

As you go door to door to trick or treat

they’re watching you; you are so plump and sweet.

Beneath the moon a witch glides on her broom

and sees you down below despite the gloom,

and if a whiff of putrid breath you feel,

remember that you may become her meal.

Black cats sneak stealthily along the street.

Beware! Bad luck will haunt you if you meet.

Enormous spiders crawl upon the ground,

and creatures of the air like bats abound.

Tonight the world is full of nasty things

with hairy legs and brooms and ghostly wings.

They threaten you with outcomes that are dire;

it’s best if you stay home beside the fire.