“Halloween Treats” poem by Jane Yolen
The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories (2018) edited by Stephen Jones
Readers unfamiliar with The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories may prefer to read these notes only after reading the anthology.
A whimsical sestina celebrating the joy of Halloween and the special bond between a parent and child, even in the midst of spooky creatures and eerie delights.
Setting: Not explicitly stated, but evokes a world inhabited by various Halloween creatures.
Characters: Ghouls, ghosties, gremlins, witches, werewolves, vampires, dragons, zombies, and a child.
Halloween seen as: A time of fun and celebration, focusing on the joy of trick-or-treating and the shared experience between a parent and child.
Style: Lighthearted, whimsical, with a focus on rhyme and rhythm to create a playful atmosphere. Sestina.
Point of view: First person, from the perspective of an adult addressing a child.
Jay
