Thread: Raven's Grin Business "Secret".

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Night was punching in much earlier,
The leaves on the trees were leaving home,
A breeze picked them,
causing them to roam.
Insde were hustled a small cluster of people
The 130 year old, old house with a crooked steeple,
Some looked fearfull , some smiled wide
The drawbridge closed via chains with a "Slam"!
"Couldn't build This Door on a double-wide, "No Mam!"
How could someone possibly have the time
To physically build such a fevered dream of mine?
Maybe this guy is something we ain't?
Floating between the worlds to create this "Haint"?
One smaller child, here under protest
About to illustrate the secret best
Of what it takes to remain " happening" and
A lesson for the rest.
"Are too afriad little one? Oh, please, No."
"We are turning up more lights, it won't really ruin "The Show"
Out runs a "Puppie" from a door behind them
Little fears are replaced , relegated to: "never mind them"
Paying attention to those in the room
Sweeping away conerns with a kindness broom
Keeping special promises given before the door
"We will not do" this" or "that" pandering to the gods of horror."
Because little ones grow and come back someday
and parents appreciate a night's sleep when" Boogie" stays away
All very simple self-preservation, basic as it could be
In 20 more years he won't be a serial-killer, coming back for me!

Aaaww Gym....

I always knew that deep down you were a big ol' softy...

Gym that's a great poem/story - & a good sentiment. I don't like making the little ones terrified, it just feels mean and too easy.

The poem is awesome. I really liked it a lot.

A Dad and 2 reluctant little boys were at my door at 7pm, the 7 yr.old wanted to come in, the 14 yr. old didnot, the Father has been here twice during the last 23 years and of course was very enthusiastic.
My Wife talked and talked with them, promising she would be taking the tour with them, so the 14 yr. old agreed and she romised that if the 14 yr. old left the first room that they needn't pay for his admission.
We had very bright lights on in that room to begin with. Now both boys were very hesitant to be sitting there in the Ravens Grin Inn front room!?
I tried to "break the Ice" by offering them a few remote-control "buttons" they could push to see what would happen.....no-go.
I pushed the buttons and eventually I had them pushing some more buttons(30? effects in this room?)
When the 14 yr. old pushed one button and it directly had an influence upon the Father and brother and it was time to relax, and have a few laughs!
Going with my "gut" instincts I darkened the room and proceeded with my normal routine(my Wife had left the room to finish her supper)
As she returned the routine was over and the 7 yr. old seemed to be crying and 2 hours later as they were finally leaving the house (tour OVER!-Completed!)
My Wife scoulded me for making him cry because of her original promises.
The boy began laughing right after the initial "cry" and I said that yes, I had taken that risk, but both kids were laughing and both had a good time going All the way through this house and the most important, They Will probably Never forget it!"
The Father was constantly attempting to "sell" the house and the experience to the kids and this positive energy from him also told me that everything would work out for everyone's betterment
Needless to say on a weekend in October we could not have possibly begun to focus so much time and energy for the direct benefit of such a small group, but this is a huge advantage, being open yeasr-round to entertain people more thoroughly and build more very happy, satisfied patrons of my efforts here.
Most good things don't happen quickly nor without effort.

great poem. I like it! Thanks for sharing that with us.

Wonderful!

And good job, there, keep up the good work!

Gym, that's so nice that you take the time to make sure your tour is enjoyed by all.
I'm sure it's something they'll always remember.

This is a business that provides us with 100% of our income.
So can you ever be too nice to customers who support us?
Go to a haunt, they insult you, make your stomach turn, pee your pants, go running out screaming..all infront of your friends!?
Who would want to make a return visit (unless it was for revenge?)
If you went to a restaurant and they put moldly, crap-food infront of you...would you go back to this place?
I see it all as being So Simple and So Basic.

Very true Gym - guess some folks are masochists...and that's why there'll always be haunted houses ;]!