Hallowe'en, a Poem

Michael DeAloia:
Hello, I'm Michael DeAloia, CEO of Evergreen Podcasts and on this episode of Evergreen Cheer, I'll be reciting the poem Hallowe'en by Joel Benton. Halloween is a distinctly unique holiday, but what is our fascination with Halloween? What makes us set aside one day a year to celebrate our fright? Why are we fascinated by the macabre, the scary, and the mystifying? I wish I knew. But it's a holiday I enjoy sharing with my family, especially my daughter, Ilie. It's cool witnessing her appreciation of such a scary day. Now, Hallowe'en by Joel Benton.

Michael DeAloia:
Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite, All are on their rounds to-night. In the wan moon’s silver ray Thrives their helter-skelter play. Fond of cellar, barn, or stack. True unto the almanac, They present to credulous eyes, Strange hobgoblin mysteries, Cabbage-stumps- straws wet with dew- Apple-skins, and chestnuts too, And a mirror for some lass, Show what wonders come to pass. Doors they move, and gates they hide. Mischiefs that on moonbeams ride. Are their deeds, and, by their spells, Love records its oracles. Don't we all, of long ago By the ruddy fireplace glow, In the kitchen and the hall, Those queer, coof-like pranks recall?

Michael DeAloia:
Every shadows were they then- But to-night they come again; Were we once more but sixteen Precious would be Hallowe'en. Thank you for listening to Evergreen Cheer. We'd like to acknowledge the Evergreen team for making this podcast possible. Producer Leah Longbrake, Audio Director Dave Douglas, Assistant Ileana DeAloia. You can listen to Cheer and more of our podcast by subscribing on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app or visit evergreenpodcasts.com from all of us here at Evergreen. We wish you a happy and frightful Halloween.