Long nights close in as harvest time is done,

When Samhain calls the sidhe to rule the night,

And careful ones the darkening forest shun.

 

The faerie folk may now come into sight,

And souls of forebears tread familiar trails,

As anxious kinfolk cower home in fright.

 

The Otherworld doorways this night will fail,

And off’rings to appease must now be made

To keep the spirits safe behind the veil.

 

So as the evening sunlight slowly fades,

The gifts of food and drink are left outside

In hopes they will propitiate the shades.

 

God-fearing people safe at home abide,

Till morning sun above horizon glides.