From The Washington Herald, October 27, 1912. I’ve often wished I could go back To childhood’s happy hours, When life’s illusions were not lost; No thorns among the flowers. But never have I longed so much To live that glad time o’er, As when on Halloween I hear “Tick-tack” on pane or door! What elfin pranks we boys did play Upon the neighbors ‘round Until they thought us sprites let loose To tease, torment, confound! Oh, never can I quite forget The joy that would elate, As when we stole to schoolmaster’s And carried off his gate! What traps for the unwary laid; We plotted and connived, And in the twilight’s misty gloom Our evil deeds would thrive. And then the jolly games we played! Again I hear the glee That rang throughout the crowded hall When ghostly sights we’d see. And then the fun of roasting nuts— If I never had enough— Upon that night I’d have my fill Of apples and sweet stuff! Then in a circle round the hearth, We’d in the future peer. Forebodings evil made us quake, And “good luck” signs would cheer. I oft, amid life’s strife and care, From memory’s storehouse gleam That night most dear to all boys’ hearts— The night of Halloween!