The Pumpkin Chorus

Did I ever tell you …

That when I was very young

On a blustery Halloween night

I heard the Pumpkin Chorus sung.

I was walking towards home alone

Long after the setting of the sun

Past the fields of Farmer Schwoob

Headed in from town - after a little fun.

Then in the field I heard a stir

Some giggles and humming like a bee

I thought there must be kids a-hiding

To play a little trick on me.

So I thought I’d scare ‘em half to death

By running in and screaming like a banshee

But when I got to where the voices were

There were just bewildered pumpkins look’n back at me

There they sat all huddled up

Then one squirmed a bit and cocked his head

Then they all whispered as they smiled up at me

“You’re just in time!” – was what the biggest orange one said

Then again came the giggles and the humming

Followed by the tapping of a vine

Then they burst out in a mighty chorus

That I have to admit - sounded mighty fine.

“Pumpkins, Pumpkins now we are free

To sing our songs - safe from all strife

Pumpkins, Pumpkins – lucky are we

‘Cause no one carved us with a big knife.

Halloween’s over and we are still here

Seeds in our belly - without a scratch

Now there is nothing for us to fear

We are all safe in our little pumpkin patch.”

I have to admit I enjoyed their songs

I even joined in on a verse or two

But I started getting pretty cold

As the frost was beginning to form from the dew.

So, when they finished their song

I thanked them all and said my farewell

In parting I said, “I’ll see you at Thanksgiving!”

But the reason, I figured, was best not to tell.

                                                                     Dan Turner, 10/26/03

                                                                             Indian Dorm, Elko, Nevada