Trick or Treat by Marilyn Zelke Windau

Trick or Treat
by
Marilyn Zelke Windau

First a mouse came to my door,

then a duck,

next a dog demanding treats,

followed by an elephant.

A parade of animals

all ringing the bell

in the late fall sunshine.

Almost done with saving time,

I was not done with saving chocolate.

I said to the dog, "You can't have chocolate.

It will kill you."

He protested that he was a strong dog,

a wise dog, could even take

chocolate through an IV, if need be,

and need there was.

He muzzle-nuzzled me for a Nestle.

Halloween, a time of year, a time of mind,

when serotonin levels swell

at just the thought of candy.

Sugar keeps those little legs pumping,

down streets, up steps, over sidewalk cracks.

Lights on porches draw them in like moths.

Some are reluctant to say the magic words.

Some are brash and grab their own choice

from the bowels of the bowl.

They turn, after three small words,

stumble down to mothers,

fall into waiting strollers

pushed by fathers, who extract their toll

with a snicker, to the next yard.

Marilyn Zelke Windau, of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, started writing poems at age thirteen. A former art teacher, she has had five books of poetry published: Adventures in Paradise, Momentary Ordinary, Owning Shadows, Hiccups Haunt Wilson Avenue, and Beneath The Southern Crux. A Pushcart Prize nominee, her award-winning work can be found in many journals and anthologies. Marilyn includes her maiden name to honor her father, who was also a writer. When she's not writing, Marilyn works at restoring her 1891 house and creates mosaics, paintings, and books made with tea papers. A Master Gardener volunteer and an art center docent, she is married to a retired environmental engineer, has three daughters, and three grandchildren.

Jo:
What a fun poem, Marilyn. The details, and all the animals. I really enjoyed this.
Posted 10/31/2012 09:47 PM

Maryann Hurtt:
Great details, great sounds...can totally picture Sheboygan Falls tonight! Thanks for the fun, Marilyn.
Posted 10/31/2012 06:49 PM

gjressmeyer:
Every detail feels right, including sidewalk cracks and children shy or brash. Thanks, Marilyn.
Posted 10/31/2012 01:03 PM

loisflmom:
Love it. We live in a condo complex with too many crotchety old folks and practically no children.. I sure miss those little trick-or-treaters!
Posted 10/31/2012 12:36 PM

Linda Muldoon:
Drawn like moths and magic words. You keep getting better and better.
Posted 10/31/2012 10:57 AM

Wilda Morris:
What fun! I do wish more children dressed like animals and fewer like superheroes or movie stars. I enjoy the surprises in the poem - throwing in the fact that dogs aren't supposed to eat chocolate, the snickers near the end, the bowels of the bowl.
Posted 10/31/2012 08:22 AM

Marilyn L Taylor:
Delightful! Love the snicker. . .
Posted 10/31/2012 07:55 AM

jeanie:
very fun, marilyn! love how the dads sneak candy!
Posted 10/31/2012 07:26 AM

LisaV:
Great one, Marilyn. I love Halloween time, and you captured it well!
Posted 10/31/2012 06:50 AM

Janet Leahy:
Love the parade of animals at your door, a fun poem.
Posted 10/31/2012 05:54 AM

Katrina:
I love the muzzle-nuzzling and the 'bowels of the bowl'. All wise dogs deserve treats.
Posted 10/31/2012 04:18 AM

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