mask

mask

I used to love Halloween as a kid.
not for the candy. 
nor other treats.

I loved my masks.

I was once Casper. 
The Friendly Ghost.
A smiling white face 
that slipped into the darkness. 
Taking the hands of other children. 

Another time a cowboy
with a pair of six shooters.
My blue bandana cloaking all
but my steely eyes made me.
Jesse James the outlaw.
I let my little brother collect the candy.
Just so I could keep my grip on my pistols.

masks unveil the power.

I'm going trick or treating again tonight
at 30,000 feet. 
I'll deliver the goods.
Call sign 
Casper.
Once again taking the hands
and hearts of children.
With my finger on the trigger. 
Mask still cloaking all but my eyes.

Who knew Halloween came in December. 


Postscript: In 1972, American President Richard Nixon ordered the bombings of Hanoi and Haiphong in Northern Vietnam. The operation was called Linebacker II, but came to be known as the Christmas Day Bombings because of their timing in December.  Over 1,600 civilians were reportedly killed. 

Presented in the Historical Facts competition hosted by Madame Lavender