“‘Trick or treat!’ That's what they say
To get them by on Halloween Day.”
—Matthew R. Callies, “Trick or Treat! That’s What They Say”
I didn’t know I was a poet
until I wrote about werewolves and pumpkins—
until the meter clicked like footsteps on leaves
and the words danced like shadows
under porchlight.
It came from the same place
as costumes and candy and imagination—
effortless, honest,
a boy’s small hand raised to say:
I made this.
But she didn’t believe me.
Said it was stolen.
That a sixth grader
couldn’t possibly write
like that.
And maybe that’s why I remember it all—
not just the lines,
but the sting.
The thrill of creating something
and the chill of being accused
of being too good to be real.
Still, I remember how it felt:
the rhythm rising like a chant,
a candle in a jack-o’-lantern’s grin,
my first real magic
hidden inside a rhyme.
And I still smile when I hear it—
that boy’s voice echoing across the years,
bold and bright as October:
“Trick or treat!” That’s what they say
To get them by on Halloween Day.
-
Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: October 7th, 2026 00:06
- Comment from author about the poem: I know this may come across as literary masturbation, but I needed to write it. If you want to read the poem this is about, visit https://mypoeticside.com/show-poem-211487
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 5
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: On a Poet's Poem, Poems for Spooktober.
Offline)
Comments2
I can relate to this poem my friend. I still remember the high school English teacher doubting my poem and accusing me of plagiarism and though she could not prove it, because it was mine, she made it an issue in front of the class.
At least my teacher had enough tact to pull me aside and bring it up privately.
You were lucky
That accusation really pisses me off, Matthew. Instead of encouraging a young writer, she made you defend yourself. What the hell kind of teaching is that? And I have been through my own version of this as well. More than once, sadly. It's a cruel, shameless, and broken world we find ourselves in. Yet, here we all are, proving them wrong. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.