Samhain

A bonnie face can wear a dish cloot,
Is what my grandma always says,
But I’m not sure the ghouls would agree,
When the trickery begins
With Oidhche nan Cleas
To cause havoc on the fairies and the sluagh-
Great masked children
All draped in fright and innocence.

Yer a lang time deid
And don’t the ghosts know it
When they’re face to face
Wi carved tumshies and pits of fire
Bellowing smoke to banish them;
Ash smeared on young brows
To cleanse and protect,
Whilst they sing sweet warnings into the glow.

Prospered harvests predicted
With glowing torches carried home-
Close the bridge!
The spirits are all passed through.
Masks propped up above the mantel
Keeping a watchful eye.