Search This Blog

Monday, October 28, 2013

Conjuring Halloween

The thing that I’ve always liked about Halloween is that it temporarily demystifies evil, giving us permission to laugh at, and perhaps even celebrate, the dark side of everything. The common bat with its leathery wings, hyper-flapping against the tranquility of twilight, becomes a prop for hauntings and mayhem as we mimic devils, zombies, and vampires, sucking up their dark powers and using them for sport.

We get to poke fun at our greatest enemy, death, by dressing as ghosts and skeletons, ha-ha-ha-ing the night away, puncturing our fears through with laughter—leaving them in a powerless puddle like deflated lawn ornaments.

As a kid Halloween was a fantasy holiday, not only allowing me to imitate my favorite villain, but also providing a sugary booty, fit to inspire tooth decay and belly aches. What more could a kid ask for? So, in honor of our spookiest holiday I have composed a short poem and also painted a couple of pictures to go with it. I hope they inspire you to smile like a jack-o-lantern as you conjure some of your most memorable Halloween celebrations. I would love for you to share them with me.

Trick or Treating

Witches on brooms, haunting the sky
While spiky black cats stand in fright mode
Jack-o-lanterns aglow, there is mischief about
As the beggars push out for their pay loads

Sweaty masks hide, the fear in their eyes
As they tread through the darkness with giggles
Apparitions delight, in the juvenile fright
While their mothers hold onto their fingers

Bags weighed down, with chocolate and yums
Their reward for an evening of pleading
They have braved the dark night, swallowed their fright
And will never forget trick or treating
Leah Griffith

19 comments:

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Love, love, love your paintings and the poem, Leah! How I loved Halloween as a kid and enjoyed it when my two were young. Can't wait until Virginia is old enough to trick or treat.
Love and blessings!

Leah Griffith said...

Oh my goodness Martha, you are so going to have a huge blast. Think of all the memories you can create with sweet lil' Virginia! Aw! You will have to do a post on them! Love!

Karen Wojcik Berner said...

Best night of the year! You captured it perfectly. Well done, my friend!

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks Karen! Are you dressing up this year? Pray tell!!

stephen Hayes said...

No, I don't think we ever forget Trick or Treating. Nice paintings. I particularly like the use of texture on the second one.

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks Stephen. I have so many childhood memories about Halloween. One of my favorites was sorting my candy after a very successful night of begging;) Thank you for your comment!

Marie Loerzel said...

Love your painting and your words. You're right, we mock evil and death. I'd never thought about it that way before. As always, you've provoked me to read deeper meaning into what Halloween is.

Leah Griffith said...

Thanks Marie, and I hope I triggered a few happy memories around the season. What was your best costume? Favorite treat? Scariest moment? So many questions! Thanks for your comment sweetie pie!

Debra said...

Hey talented lady, you got it going on here with the paintings & poem of spooks. Love!
Happy Halloween! ♥ ♥ ♥

Debra said...

Oh, forgot to include one of my own...
http://debrasblogpureandsimple.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

Leah Griffith said...

I just came from your place and so enjoyed your story! Thank you for visiting. I'm glad you enjoyed my stab at painting and poetry. These are not my normal modes of expression;)

Deborah Tisch said...

I am quite smitten with your painting and poetry!

Chantel said...

The colors in your paintings are so vivid....the neighbors a few streets away are constructing their haunted house and my boys are anxiously, bravely, fearfully waiting for it. :) Halloween rocks.

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you sweet Deborah <3 Happy Halloween!

Leah Griffith said...

Chantel, I agree...Halloween rocks! I can't think of another holiday that allows you to be somebody else and devour pounds of sugar! Thanks for the comment and the follow!

Cperz said...

Love the poem and OH MY...you are an artist as well. You PAINT!!!! I adore your artwork.

Irene said...

Leah you are full of surprises. You're a writer AND an artist! What a talented lady!

Halloween is not really a holiday here in the Philippines but some people celebrate it and wear their favorite costumes. Happy trick or treating to you! ♡ :-)

Leah Griffith said...

LOL! Thanks Cheryl. I have found painting very relaxing. I love color!

Leah Griffith said...

Irene, thank you for the visit and your sweet comment. I'll eat a Peanut butter cup tomorrow in your sweet honor!

Post a Comment