~*~*~*~*~

He sat there in the silence of his world
The tick-tock of a clock was all he heard
It seemed to mock him as the night unfurled
But thoughts of leaving now would be absurd

The candles on the mantle flickered low
And scents of garlic reeked in his small room
Tonight would be just like a year ago
He tried hard to ward off impending doom

The flicker of the candle dimmed then died
He heard strange sounds, he knew the time was near
He wondered who would come, and should he hide
And then he thought, what have I got to fear?

The sharpness of the knock upon the door
The screechy laughter cutting through the air
The scuffle of their feet upon the floor
He smiled because he knew who would be there

He opened up the door and feigned surprise
As scary faces threatened something grim
He quickly grabbed the treats and watched their eyes
Then lots of hands and fingers scrambled in

He cried out loud, 'Please won't you let me be?
I'm much too old to even make a fuss."
And then the monsters laughed out merrily
"Oh, Granddad, don't be scared...it's only us!!"