Halloween Forum - Literature and Role-Playing http://www.halloweenforum.com/ This area is for stories, poems role-playing and similar posts. Remember not to post copyrighted material. en Wed, 22 May 2013 01:08:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.halloweenforum.com/images/styles/scarydark/misc/rss.png Halloween Forum - Literature and Role-Playing http://www.halloweenforum.com/ <![CDATA[poem, when it's time to leave]]> http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125680-poem-when-its-time-leave.html Wed, 13 Mar 2013 22:00:38 GMT Here is a poem I wrote for my Grandmother who passed away a couple years ago. She always spent every Halloween with me and joined in the fun. She... Here is a poem I wrote for my Grandmother who passed away a couple years ago. She always spent every Halloween with me and joined in the fun. She always came out and kept me company when I was working on new props. She wasn't so into Halloween, but she was into me. It meant alot to me that she showed an interest in the thing I loved so much. I miss her.

When It's time to leave......BY:KPRIMM

When my time on Earth is over
And I'm called to leave
Lay me in a special spot beneath a grove of trees

And with the Autumns falling leaves
Of Yellow, Red, and Orange
I'll lay beneath a blanket as I sleep forever more

Choose a special spot for me
Where I can see the Moon
So I can see it's Silver rays Illuminate my tomb

Place me near a pumpkin patch
So I can look and see
The children picking out their pumpkins
Carve one up for me

Please feel free to come and visit
You don't have to stay
Tell me that you miss me, I'll hear every word you say

Think of me on Halloween
In turn I'll think of you
And as I watch you celebrate, I'll smile as you do

When you feel that gentle breeze
That lightly moves your hair
That's just me reminding you, that I'll always be there

Hold my memory in your heart
So I wont slip away
Think of when we were together, in your heart I'll stay ]]> Literature and Role-Playing kprimm http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125680-poem-when-its-time-leave.html The origins of The Golden Arm, and variations; http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125612-origins-golden-arm-variations.html Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:41:19 GMT The origins of The Golden Arm, and variations;

I recently read Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories series, and was surprised to find out that The Golden Arm, and it's variations come from Germany. Possibly, the first story was, "The Man from the Gallows," by the Brothers Grimm, in which a spouse wants liver. The other spouse goes for a liver, cooks it, and ends up eating it, because the first piece was so good. She wondered where to get a liver at the present hour, seeing as the markets were closed. Then, she remembered the hanging earlier that day. She goes to the gallows, cuts out the liver, and fries it. It ends in bad results. In other versions, the items change. For example, a shroud, hat, two silver dollars, golden arm, etc. The reason why these were created was to denounce the dangers of grave robbing. People used to be buried with there belongings, which sparked greed, Go to http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0366.html to read these. ]]> Literature and Role-Playing DarkManDustin http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125612-origins-golden-arm-variations.html <![CDATA[Sequel to 'The Shining' coming]]> http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125208-sequel-shining-coming.html Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:36:21 GMT Stephen King has decided to go ahead with a new novel, about whatever became of Danny Torrence (Redrum!! Redrum!!). Sounds interesting:... Stephen King has decided to go ahead with a new novel, about whatever became of Danny Torrence (Redrum!! Redrum!!). Sounds interesting: http://www.horrorbid.com/forum/viewt...?f=280&t=23593 ]]> Literature and Role-Playing Garthgoyle http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/125208-sequel-shining-coming.html Grim Reaper Poem http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/123216-grim-reaper-poem.html Sun, 28 Oct 2012 07:19:21 GMT I wrote a poem last year that took place on the invitations, and this year it will be used as part of the theme. Let me know what you think of it....... I wrote a poem last year that took place on the invitations, and this year it will be used as part of the theme. Let me know what you think of it....

The darkness creeps in upon us
And the black of night wraps you up,
Some of us may wonder
What lurks in the dark.
*
A shadow appears and what’s that noise,
A tap-tap grows and comes near.
A glint of moonlight bounces back at you
And a scythe reveals itself here.
Gliding towards you the shadow appears,
A long, dark cloak and sunken eyes.
Whispers aloud and grumbling silently,
The shadow beckons with all its might.
*
Scythe raised high and bright,
You cannot help but stand your ground.
One swish motion of the scythe
Your soul is gone without a sound. ]]> Literature and Role-Playing Michael Myerscough http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/123216-grim-reaper-poem.html The Barn. A scary story. http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/122990-barn-scary-story.html Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:25:08 GMT The Barn Much to the displeasure of our parents, we liked hanging out in the old barn. The barn was situated toward the back of the house and was... The Barn

Much to the displeasure of our parents, we liked hanging out in the old barn. The barn was situated toward the back of the house and was a dilapidated, crumbling building that we were forbidden to enter.

My brother and I usually went there at night and with our flashlights we would enter the barn through a side door that hung precariously on its last corroded hinge. It appeared ready to collapse at the tiniest provocation, so holding our breath and very careful to avoid touching anything, we would squeeze through the tiny opening to the inside.

Scattered randomly throughout the interior were rusting farming implements, rakes, a scythe and numerous long-forgotten other tools that no longer resembled anything useful. All of the items appeared dangerous and capable of serious damage if they were mishandled or if careless passage caused contact with fragile skin. We kept our distance and tried to remain clear of these things, finding our usual seats in the center of the room on the old hay bales left there.

The barn itself was pretty spooky and in the darkness, the outlines of the objects and decaying contents resembled the skeletons of the dead, but my brother and I liked it. We would go there and share spooky stories and get ourselves so frightened, we'd barely find our balance to get back out the decrepit barn door as we would literally be shaking in our boots.

But the loft was the most sinister part of the barn. It was dark as pitch and the ladder leading up to it had years ago crumbled into an unusable heap of kindling that lie uselessly on the barn floor. The few remaining steps appeared in tact at the top, but at ground level the decaying rungs appeared through the murkiness to be the gaping holes of a skeleton's dislodged teeth.

We never went up to the loft and could only imagine its contents: huge spiders covered with coarse hair and menacing fangs. Their enormous eyes watched and waited for anyone who dared to ascend the rotting ladder to the elevated platform. Other than our mental images of the spiders, we had no idea what was in the loft.


One night, we were in the barn sitting on the floor talking. During pauses in our conversation, we listened to the mournful groans of the old structure slowly yet very audibly decaying. Why this caused us such fascination is unknown to me, but we were thoroughly enjoying the spooky, musty ambience that was the old barn.

My brother was telling his favorite ghost story for the hundredth time in low, hushed tones. I was enthralled by the tale as my brother was very good at making any story sound terrifying beyond belief.

Just when the story hit its scariest point, a scraping noise began to emanate from the loft. At first we thought it was our over active imaginations. But the soft sound grew in intensity as we listened, almost as if the originator had waited to ensure it's audience was paying attention.

Scraaaaape. Screeeeeech. Scraaaaape.

Then for a second, the only sound we could hear was our heartbeats pounding wildly in our ears. We stared at each other with wild eyes, lids locked wide open, almost bulging.

A chill ran down my spine. I grabbed my brother's hand and held it to me. I couldn't imagine what could be causing the sound and in terror, I whispered loudly, "Michael!"

At that, my brother shifted position and leaped over to sit beside me. He shook loose my grip and wrapped his arms around me, covering my mouth with one of his hands. "Shhh," he whispered, very quietly.

Screeeeech. Scraappppe.

It was a metallic sound, hollow and ominous.

Michael grabbed my hand and pulled me with him as he jumped up and ran for the door. We held our breaths as we squeezed through the passageway, careful to keep from touching the sides. We escape the barn and ran out into the night using all of our might to keep from screaming.

We made it to the backyard and stopped, bending over and holding our sides, chests heaving. We gained our composure before we stepped onto the porch and opened the screen door. Mom was there and said, "Time for dinner kids!"

"I'm glad you're here," she continued, "a man escaped from jail tonight and the police are on the lookout. You kids should stay inside. Guess the guy was a terrible, evil person. Murdered five people before he got caught."

We half listened as we pulled out our chairs to sit down.

"Shouldn't be hard to find, though. He had a metal hook for a hand. Gotta be pretty easy to find a fellow like that.

"Did you kids wash your hands?" ]]> Literature and Role-Playing Rita http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/122990-barn-scary-story.html Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/121983-walking-dead-rise-governor.html Sat, 13 Oct 2012 03:54:18 GMT In anticipation of season 3 of the Walking Dead, I just finished reading Rise of the Governor. I loved it! The way that it was written, I actually... In anticipation of season 3 of the Walking Dead, I just finished reading Rise of the Governor. I loved it! The way that it was written, I actually could see it just as clearly as if I were watching it on T.V. Has anyone else read it and if so what were your thoughts on it? ]]> Literature and Role-Playing creepyhomemaker http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/121983-walking-dead-rise-governor.html Felt like writing an Autumn Poem. Enjoy! http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/120825-felt-like-writing-autumn-poem-enjoy.html Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:26:49 GMT So I was cleaning our pond out yesterday and pushed myself to far. My legs were shaking and I was exhausted. I came inside and sat on the pc and... So I was cleaning our pond out yesterday and pushed myself to far. My legs were shaking and I was exhausted. I came inside and sat on the pc and decided to write a poem. I figured people on here would appreciate it since it is an autumn poem so here it goes.

The whispering of falling leaves,
The crisp cool air blown cross the eaves
That scent, a touch of autumn's past
The sounds of trees' bright wardrobes cast
The sights of scarlet, umber, gold
But beauty, finite, shall unfold
For autumn's grace must fade from sight,
Beneath the winter's crystal white.

-ME! ]]> Literature and Role-Playing Ravenfell Manor http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/120825-felt-like-writing-autumn-poem-enjoy.html Let me know if you are scared by this? http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/120396-let-me-know-if-you-scared.html Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:17:30 GMT Have you heard of any stories about shrunken heads? My daughter (in high school) wrote this short story to celebrating Halloween. I put it on... Have you heard of any stories about shrunken heads? My daughter (in high school) wrote this short story to celebrating Halloween. I put it on Squidoo, Check out the comment on the page, leave your comments. She loves writing scary stories, I encouraged her to post it for more people to read it, (she only showed to her friends and they were really scared .) she is happy to see so many "likes" and great comments. Thanks for visiting.

In case the URL not working, http://www.squidoo.com/a-spooky-story ]]> Literature and Role-Playing Nancy Gan http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/120396-let-me-know-if-you-scared.html <![CDATA[What's Your Favorite Stephen King Book?]]> http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/119104-whats-your-favorite-stephen-king-book.html Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:14:09 GMT Hi there! I am The Goremet and ask what is your favorite Stephen King novel or collection? My favorite is Insomnia. Halloween and Stephen King... Hi there! I am The Goremet and ask what is your favorite Stephen King novel or collection? My favorite is Insomnia. Halloween and Stephen King just go together! Let me know what Stephen King book you may be reading this Halloween too. This year I will be reading Salem's Lot for Halloween. ]]> Literature and Role-Playing The Goremet http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/119104-whats-your-favorite-stephen-king-book.html The Wizard Of Oz http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/118276-wizard-oz.html Sun, 19 Aug 2012 02:24:05 GMT I'm amazed that there are some of you who have never seen the M G M classic The Wizard Of Oz. I'll save you time if you don't want to rent, or wait till it's on TCM again. This is my short synopsis:)

The house did swirl
And the tornado did whirl
At last the house landed with a bump
The Wicked Witch of the East lay in a lump

Now Good Glinda sends you on your way
The ruby sleepers on your feet must stay
Follow the yellow brick road
Follow the yellow brick road

The Wicked Witch of the West has got your number
So be ever watchful when you slumber
It's off to Oz the Wizard waits
Tis there you'll find your fate

Good friends you'll find upon this trek
Sadly though you'll not meet Shrek
That's another ryhne yet to be written
The tale of an Ogre, a Princess both smitten

A field of poppies dreams so sweet
Thank the Witch for this treat
Sweet Glinda watches over you
So with snow she sees you through

In the Emerald city the Wizard sets your task
Toto will be the one to unmask
How could you know that you must kill
Tell me child, have you the will

In the Witch's clutches you must wait
OMG is it now too late
Have no fear for friends so true
Will rally now and save you too

A bucket of water on the Witch's head
The deed is done the Witch is dead
Back to Kansas you now go
A murderess as we all know ]]> Literature and Role-Playing BillyBones http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/118276-wizard-oz.html What non-fiction Halloween Books and DVDs did you find/buy today? http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/118200-what-non-fiction-halloween-books-dvds-did-you-find-buy-today.html Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:29:35 GMT Love the other thread about What Did You Buy / Find today. But it's getting hard to keep up with. So I'm starting a new one devoted to non-fiction Halloween-related books and DVDs--versus Halloween-related novels and movies.

Halloween-related DVDs might be home haunter how-to DVDs, Halloween / home haunter documentaries, new (or new-to-you) halloween projection effects DVDs etc. Halloween books might be home haunter how-to books, halloween prop books, halloween animatronics books, etc. Would like a place to check for new, cool stuff in the area of non-fiction Halloween media in general. You could also post your faves in addition to new personal acquisitions.

I'm reading a recently released book I've been waiting on for a while:
"Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium" by Mark Edward

http://www.amazon.com/Psychic-Blues-...=psychic+blues

It's a great behind-the-scenes look at someone involved as a 1-900 psychic line Reader and mentalist. Very much in the "with it" spirit of non-fiction exposure classics such as M. Lamar Keene's The Psychic Mafia and Gresham's Monster Midway: An uninhibited look at the glittering world of the carny (which became the film Nightmare Alley). It's funny how Mark Edward would repeatedly watch Nightmare Alley so he wouldn't end up believing his own B.S. and suffer the fate of The Great Stanton. Mark Edward was featured in Season 1, Episode 1 of Penn and Teller's Showtime series "Bullsh*t." Great show. Although I don't care for P&T's preachy politics I do love when they expose instances of blatant fraudulence.

Love anything to do with Spiritualism History and Mediumship (Spiritualism seems as phony as a 3 dollar bill as far as I can surmise), Sideshow Culture, and the world of "mitt camp" psychics. Love the homage to Spiritualism in the Madame Leota room of Disney's Haunted Mansion. Just love to know how effects of all kinds are performed--whether they be Dark Ride illusions such as ones in the Haunted Mansion. Or Real Life illusions and psychodramas created by mentalists / magicians in Seance parlors. The mechanics and gimmicks are wonderful stuff. Although the ethics are often deplorable (e.g. "gypsy curse" stuff that goes on in some roadside Psychic storefronts where patrons are parted from large quantities of green stuff; and I don't mean ectoplasm). There may be value to be had from Readings given by shut-eyes who don't consciously practice Cold (or worse hot) Reading. Sitting for a Tarot reading can be insightful, even if it's B.S., because the human mind is so good at making sense and meaning out of randomness. You can learn a lot about yourself, your life, challenges you face, etc, through trying to make sense out of a random spread of "archetypal" Tarot cards even if there may be absolutely nothing paranormal or supernatural going on. The potential value remains. I think that's worth highlighting.

The best "how to" book I have on Cold Reading is probably Ian Rowland's Full Facts Book of Cold Reading. A good title on Sideshow history and exposure is Joe Nickell's Secrets of the Sideshows. And I loved the sideshow artist documentary about Tod Robbins called American Carny. It's a pity there's so little left of that type of performance art.

While I suppose the Genuine Article may be Out There Somewhere, you could call me someone who admires the paranormal from a purely aesthetic perspective. I think humans are hardwired to fool themselves in so many ways that reports of the paranormal are largely unreliable. And a great book showing our cognitive disposition to see things that aren't there is Michael Shermer's The Believing Brain. A fantastic book that I know I'll be re-reading. Anyone else out there love Halloween aesthetically but remains either undecided or largely skeptical of various paranormal claims? Again, absolutely love the aesthetics of the paranormal. But find the various claims to be largely implausible. Not impossible. Just implausible as far as the evidence seems to suggest at this time. Science and the spirit of free inquiry always leaves the door open to new evidence.

It's really quite a hoot to read stuff that is, on the one hand, dogmatically, let's say, materialistic. Then reading the most credulous, unquestioning stuff you can find. And that reading the works of someone brilliant like the late Robert Anton Wilson--a "guerilla ontologist"--who seems to be against both extremes of Dismiss All Claims Out of hand skepticism (not the type of skepticism I practice) and credulous, unquestioning faith in all manner of things. Forget where I heard it first, but a good indicator of intelligence is willingness and ability to change one's mind over time. Reading widely helps there.

I'd love to know if others here are Into Mentalism and can recommend other books. A really old and foundational book on the topic is Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism. Perhaps I should have added Menatalism to the title of this post. But it's really about sharing non-fiction media on various Halloween-related gimmicks, culture, etc. As someone who follows Mentalism culture (but is not a practitioner), I've really enjoyed watching the fiction TV show The Mentalist because of the main character's past as a Mentalist pretending to have real abilities (a charlatan). And how he's made good by putting his Cold Reading and other skills to solve crimes. It's a hoot to recognize various Mentalist gimmicks and tricks he uses in various episodes. Cool stuff.

Anyway, looking to add to my personal collection of non-fiction material like those I've already mentioned. And new DVD Projection effect / prop DVDs, etc. Hope I haven't offended anyone. I'm not an absolutist Disbeliever in the Paranormal. Just don't believe there's overwhelming good evidence for its existence. And one thing that requires no belief at all is seeing the multitudes of instances of paranormal (and pious) frauds. ]]> Literature and Role-Playing mikeerdas http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/118200-what-non-fiction-halloween-books-dvds-did-you-find-buy-today.html Halloween themed books? http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117264-halloween-themed-books.html Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:51:09 GMT Does anyone know of any Halloween themed books that will get you right into the spirit? Does anyone know of any Halloween themed books that will get you right into the spirit? ]]> Literature and Role-Playing spookymimi http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117264-halloween-themed-books.html Halloween Book Recommendations http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117242-halloween-book-recommendations.html Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:43:23 GMT Okay so, I ♥ books! And books about Halloween (or related things like ghost stories and the such) are even better!

I've read a few (like Silver RavenWolf's Halloween: Customs, Recipes, and Spells (hey, I'm Pagan, what can I say!) and Leslie Bannatyne's Halloween Nation which is an awesome book! I've learned just about everything of the beginnings of Halloween that I can, and I find it wonderfully exciting to read about Halloween fans like us (which is why I enjoyed Halloween Nation so much!) I check through this forum every day (okay, several times a day.) I'll admit, I lurk here more than anything, but I love checking every few hours to catch up on threads I like and hope there's new ones to check out that I'll be interested in! (And hey, one of the fun things about Halloween is lurking in the shadows right? Haha!) But as awesome as this forum is...it's not a book (that would be kind of cool though, if it was lol)...and eventually I'm caught up on all new posts and there's nothing to lurk through anymore, and it makes me sad (and anxious for something to pop up! XD)

So I was wondering if anyone here could recommend me some more good Halloween-oriented books? My birthday is in a couple days and I should be getting some money then (My Mom and Dad has long since gave up on being able to find me presents I'll like since my hobbies are...strange? XD So they just give me money anymore! Haha!) Plus, I've started running out of books to read from last Winter anyway! But my college classes start back soon and when that happens I never have time to read anything I like...but for a few weeks I still have time, and I REALLY wanna get some more reading in! (It's boring here where I live without books to read after all.) Plus, it's getting closer and closer to Halloween...but there's nothing Halloween-y around here yet (nothing in any of the stores, etc. to make me all giddy) but I'm getting all anxious for Halloween anyway and I need something to fuel my growing excitement! I need a good Halloween book to read! Any recommendations? I already know of most of the origins of Halloween so I really don't need any more books about that (and I mostly like non-fiction over most fiction)...but any books about the holiday or anything associated with it, would be great! :) ]]> Literature and Role-Playing gilnokoibito http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117242-halloween-book-recommendations.html My first attempt! http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117038-my-first-attempt.html Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:54:51 GMT I have always been somewhat of a creative person with crafts and art, but I have always had an interest in poetry as well. Just never have really... I have always been somewhat of a creative person with crafts and art, but I have always had an interest in poetry as well. Just never have really tried to hard. In school I always got good marks for my writing, but that has been a very long time ago. I just recently got back to giving it a try. I wrote this poem about a childhood visit to an old abandoned house out on the edge of town, and I tried to include all those special things I remembered about it... let me know what you think?

Is this a Haunted Old House?

There is a winding old path that leads through the woods.
To the empty old house, at the end of "Every Witch Way Lane."
Listen to the whispers in the wind.
You pause for a moment, your bearings to gain.
You might hear the cackle of a Witch, far off in the distance.
Or maybe for instance, the hoot of an owl in a nearby tree.
In your mind, you vision black cats and witches hats,
or big yellow moons, and old hags with brooms.
You never know what things you may see or hear,
as you trek up the pathway, to where the trees start to clear.
A chilling breeze gently pushes, a eerie thick fog,
and a heavy wet mist, rises up off the bog.
Whisking branches away, as they scratch cross your face.
You find your way up the tree lined lane.
Nearly out of breath, you hasten your pace,
that you might reach some shelter before the rain.
Making your way up the path, through the gate you do pass,
then up to the steps, onto the porch with a gasp.
The cry of the planks, as you quietly creep,
each step draws you closer to the answer you seek.
Pausing for a moment, against the old wooden porch post,
you think to yourself...
"Is this house haunted, might there be ghost?"
Forward you reach, for the tattered old door.
On a rusty old hinge it hangs, and nothing more.
It lets go an endless creek, and slowly open it swings.
You cautiously step in, while swiping cobwebs from your chin.
The door slams closed behind you, with a swift crisp moan,
raising the hair on your neck, giving you a shiver to the bone.
Is there anyone here, you ask? Is there anyone home?
With a dead silence it echoes, yet loud as a groan.
It is such a lonely, creepy, tattered and weathered old house.
It is so hard to understand, that after all these years,
but yet it still stands!
Down at the end of the lane, it still does loom.
No inhabitants to fill it, the air is thick with gloom.
I can tell you this, I only know that,
if there were such things,
as witches, spirits, ghouls and ghost.
It would surely be a place,
that they would like the most!

author- patrick j gill ]]> Literature and Role-Playing cre8orstouch http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/117038-my-first-attempt.html The Flying Dutchman http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/115705-flying-dutchman.html Fri, 25 May 2012 17:32:42 GMT Attachment 113560 (http://www.halloweenforum.com/attachments/literature-role-playing/113560-flying-dutchman-flying-dutchman-465x640-.jpg)The imagination can be a powerful thing. Name: Flying Dutchman (465x640).jpg Views: 76 Size: 94.4 KBThe imagination can be a powerful thing.
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]]> Literature and Role-Playing BillyBones http://www.halloweenforum.com/literature-role-playing/115705-flying-dutchman.html