It’s a frosty morn, a chilly send-off to the month of October. This month arrived and in the blink of an eye, has come to an end. Tonight is St. Hallow’s Eve and tomorrow we will celebrate The Saints who have departed this world.

Last night’s full moon was gorgeous, especially as it struggled to make its entry from the eastern clouds. Even from beyond its cover, the illumination was brilliant.

There is precious little to note this morning. Yesterday was grueling and tedious, and I found my normally good-natured spirit at odds with opportunities to rejoice throughout the day. This morning, crawling back into bed would be such a blessing but that retreat is not to be.

Make it a great day!

Hallowe’en

by Sheri-Ann O’Shea

Oh! Hallowe’en is not about the grave
__Or ghosts or horrors fit to make men rave
It’s not about black witches and black cats
__Or goats or toads or spider webs or bats
There’s nought in it of skeletons in chains
__Or blood or leering heads protruding brains
Or grinning pumpkins lighted from within
__Or sound recordings making dreadful din
The moans and groans, the creaking door, the screams
__The notion that your nightmares aren’t mere dreams
What sickness is it in us that craves fear?
__And what perverse delight holds evil dear?
What view of education and of care
__Sends children trick-or-treating every year?

All Hallow’s Eve anticipates a Feast
__The godly from the bonds of earth released
The glory of the saints in heav’n above
__Their joyful ecstasy of endless love
Whose brightness fills our eyes and draws us on
__To go where faithful souls alone have gone
If they, like us, were weak and sinful men
__They give us hope that we may rise again
And tread the path of Calvary to the Cross
__Nor turn aside nor dread no earthly loss
They all behold us with the eyes of friends
__Each one to some lost lamb his arm extends
Oh no! there’s really nothing fearful here
__Just members of a family most dear
And over all there reigns the goodliest King –
__They see and love and are possessed by Him.

Sheri-Ann O’Shea is a South African-born teacher, now living in Brisbane, Australia with her
husband and three lively boys.