Phyllis McKenna

They stood there side by side

Trying to decide

What to wear for Halloween

Brian wanted a bat with leathery wings

Ciara a Princess with golden rings

Or maybe a ghost with haunting eyes

“Make up your mind” young Ciara sighs

“Because we are twins, Sister and Brother

Perhaps we should dress up like each other

Brian frowned and shouted out: “I’m not wearing a sissy skirt.”

Ciara looked sad and a little hurt

“I’m sorry” said Brian, “I tell you what.

You go as a cat, I’ll go as a bat!”

We’ll both be black with shiny fur

But I’ll be a He and you’ll be a Her

You can put ribbons and bows in your hair

I’ll practice my scary, batty stare

So the pair went out on Halloween night

Determined to give their friends a fright

But they looked so cute dressed up like this

That their friends just hugged them and gave them a kiss

Brian was disgusted. He stamped his wee foot

Ciara just smiled, her arms full of loot

They collected at least two big bags of treats

So they hurried home with their candy and sweets.

Jack stood in his room and he pondered, he pondered and pondered and wondered
Which one of these costumes for Halloween would he wear
Would it be Superman, Batman or the one like a spider
He’d ask his Dad to be the decider
He really liked Ninjas and he really liked Dinos
He really liked bears, snakes, tigers and rhinos
He loved Power Rangers all rarin’ to go
He wouldn’t miss their daily show
How about a vampire or even a ghost
Which one would scare his friends the most
How about a zombie or a monster with claws
How about The Gruffalo with big pointy paws
So Jack stood in his room with his hand on his head
“Perhaps I’ll ask Mummy and Daddy instead
I’m not Five until Monday after all
I’ll pick my own costume when I’m big and tall.”

“Where’s your tie, Davy? You know the one I bought you for Christmas. The one the kids gave you some stick about. Light grey with multicoloured stripes.”

“Jazzy Daddy!” from Jack

“Whoo!! Look at you!!” from Michael

“Father, you are going to disgrace me again.” from Kate.

What a great day that was. All the family there to help us celebrate the festive season. everyone there for you, Love.

Now where’s that tie? Oh, there it is, neatly hung up with your dark grey suit and white shirt. When did you get so neat? Did you know? Had you any idea, My Heart? I want you to look really handsome, which you are anyway. I want you to be the man I fell in love with.The man I still adore with every breath that I take, the man who is my world.

Do you remember buying that suit, Davy? You hated it. I had to trail you round shops to get it. You wanted to wear your jeans and beloved football top to Edith’s wedding. Your niece. I could just have seen your Mum’s face. You’re never too old to get told off. The suit was cramping your style, you said. As soon as that ceremony was over, off came the tie, top buttons undone, jacket off, sleeves rolled up and you took to the floor all night. Danced your socks off as well! But the slow songs were only for us. You and me. You held me so close, my head on your shoulder, happy in each other. No one else mattered in that moment. I will always remember that sweet time. They are all waiting for you now, my Darling. Downstairs and outside. They have thronged the streets to show their love. No one ever had a bad word to say about you. The life and soul of the party, the one to come to if feeling down, the street’s handyman for odd jobs. Respected and admired by the neighbours and your work colleagues.

You are going on a long journey now and I can’t come with you this time. Not this time. We had some wonderful holidays, just the two of us when the kids were grown. Italy, Spain. America!  Sun, sand, sea and sex!  It wasn’t just sex for us. It was making love. I wish the kids of today would recognise that fact.  They will realise soon enough that there is a difference. What we had was wonderful. We travelled, you and I. But this journey you have to take alone. You take my love with you as you leave yours with me for the remainder of my life. But now, for one last time we will travel together. In the Long, Black Limousine.