Halloween Tastes

There were times, so long ago, Halloween masks on a cereal box.

Select a face to wear, contents, no matter—snap, crackle, or pop.

Change to Queen, scary thing—boo—maybe animal sly, like a fox.

Fill a sack with candy corn, M and M’s, chocolate bars, don’t stop.

Masked cutout, soggy “Trick or Treat” shouts—ick, lips wet paper.

Homemade marshmallow Krispies, popcorn ball, or caramel apple,

gifts—creative, decorated treats—wiped out wet cardboard flavor.

Crayon color paper bag, treasure chests variety—oh sweet sample.

Year advanced to a rubbery mask, a character, imaginary acting.

Steamy breath, chilly air, moisture drops—flavor, summer hose.

Generosity pouring on the kitchen table, variety, nothing lacking.

Mom and I oohed, aahed in delight—her smile, like sunrise arose.

Announcing, “My all-time favorite, Bit-O-Honey! Can we share?”

Now, I see Mom’s smile, as a Bit-O-Honey takes me back there.

April Ryan is an avid Halloween poet who lives in Seattle.

SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).

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