a message for the children

tiny hands 
reaching up towards strangers

glowing faces 
animated with the prospect of free candy

cheerily calling out
an age old phrase 

we all know and love 

"trick or treat!"

colors bright and vivid 
in the dimly lit and heavily decorated front steps 

of stranger's homes 
that you happily stroll up to and admire

the only thing on your mind is sweets
little did you know about the flipped car on my way home

never did you see the child far from here
die
from a stomach empty

you can only busy yourself with your own pleasure
and that's ok you are far to young to be concerned with such things 

enjoy your innocence while you have it.

because soon enough 
you'll be fending for yourself

and gone will be the days of mindless playing 
away will fly your delusions of being a unicorn when you grow up.

and one day 
you will have to part ways 
with the easy life of being five 

cherish 
your ability to not hear those terrible things 

hold onto that pure sweet smile 
unburdened by the bloody truths of this world
 
for as long as you can 

please, keep you love 
and your joy 
and your beautiful untarnished faith 
that life is fine. 

because some day
you will have to awaken from your dream

and learn to cope
with the weight of your mind
and just how much or how little it can do 
depending on what you chose. 

dear child please 
I beg you 
enjoy your childhood while you can.