Security

By Harry G. Peakman

(my Uncle Harry)

 

I've bolted all the windows

     and I've locked up every door

And I've spread much lovely garlic

     all around the floor

 

I'll not have interruptions

     from goblins, ghouls 'n such

(So highly overrated-

     they don't amount to much)

 

I've grouped the herbs and crystals,

     bat wings and turnip blood

There's mummied hand, a "skeeter" fin,

     foul waters from a flood

 

A wiggle of the uvula,

     five lopsided soles,

Pelargonium juices

     and some droppings from the moles

 

Seven twigs lantana,

     toad's eye a la carte,

A batch of hiccups from a muse

     and diced rhinocerous heart

 

There's toenails from new kittens,

     a mouse that's been giraffed-

Oh, all the stores and charms and things

     to keep my wiles a craft

 

So when Halloween is dawning

     and the night is turning rough

I'll be busy in the basement

     o'er a cauldron stirring stuff