IT'S Halloween tonight.

Dai Vaughan captures the changing faces and the perennial fascination of this ancient festival.

HALLOWEEN

In the dark in the hall the pumpkin shines

and all its strange faces change as you move past.

It's primitive magic and it works.

It looks at you slyly then with anger.

Now it's sad and after that so mournful;

Yet suddenly it's smiling. It's Oriental,

Javanese, crescent moons and starbursts

and the full moon glowing.

Outside sharp winds tear the leaves from the trees.

The branches re-appear. Everything is different.

Colour is everywhere.

It's party time. Dress up. Wear masks.

The goddess does not wish to be seen.

All must wear masks so you don't know.

It's primitive magic, and it works.

Light the fire to guide the good spirits in,

Frighten away the demons.

The buds of the Christmas cacti

are about to burst.

Between the one time and the other

there is this moment,

Halloween.