My quick writing entry for the Halloween Contest

The following is the link to Susan Hill's web site contest.

https://susannahill.com/2017/10/27/the-7th-annual-halloweensie-contest-aahhhrrrooooooooo/

​I found out about the contest this morning and thought it sounded like too much fun, not to play. Also, when given the words that had to be included this rough draft almost wrote itself. Please note this is the first version and that I had to include certain words and could only have 100 words plus a title. See the site for full rules. Also, I am an illustrator. What fun this will be to paint!

​My idea stems from my day job as the EL teacher in Florence, OR. I work with students from all different cultures and we usually have conversations in October about the differences between Day of the Dead and Halloween. This story is more about Dia de Muertos, because my students need more children's stories for them. Part of my job is teaching them to write, and I love encouraging them to write stories about their traditions. Someday I hope several of them will write children's books from their perspective.

In the mean time here is my attempt:

On Halloween Night


 We’ve been preparing,
for Day of the Dead isn’t for scaring.
They’ve tricked or treated gathering candy
but, I’m spending November second with Granddaddy.
Our celebration has no monsters it’s true
though, I also like scary parties with you.
There’s a picnic with sugar skulls treats,
not  just candy corn but traditional sweets.
My families in the cemetery to play, to dance,
to honor relatives this is our chance.
After weeks planning our altar display,
we’ll gather around it, tell stories, or pray.
Dias de Muertos isn’t a shadowy meeting,
instead it’s a remembrance though too fleeting.