Raise a Glass
As you carve those pumpkins,as you dress in costume,as you trick or treating go,as you seek entertainment,as you avoid the wild shades,do not forget to raise a glassto the departed Persephone.Tonight at the witching hour,the gates of the Underworldclang loudly shut with dread finality.Closing securely within not only herbut also the restless dead.Do not forget to raise a glassto the patiently brooding Hades.For his love has returned to his armsafter a lengthy, lonely separation.Do not forget to raise a glassto Demeter the mourning mother.May her lament be not too harshupon her mortal children.Do not forget to raise a glassto your beloved dead.May they rest peacefullyuntil their time of return.Raise a glass and be thankfulthat you are not with themin the dark realm of below.