Oh, thank goodness you;re still here! It was getting lonely and a little bit creepy.

I wasn't quite done, actually -- there's one more installment. Let me get a swig of -- well, never mind -- and I'll finish up. My! It's a cold night!

* * *

But as bafflingly as they'd all come, they had gone,
And prepared as he was, he was left all alone.
He went and peered down at the lights of the town. "Should I warn them that there are such creatures around?"
But as he asked the question, the last lights twinkled out,
So he snuffed out his lamp and turned quickly about.
OOPS! He bumped into someone, and got quite a scare,
For a dark-hooded ghoul appeared, standing ... right THERE!

"Joe…," spoke The Grim Reaper -- it spoke nothing more.
It merely stood, blocking his way through the door.
"Aye," said the woodsman. "I know what you wish.
If you'll please step inside, I'll prepare you a dish."
He walked past The Reaper and brushed it aside,
As he brought forth his fudge in a flourish of pride.
"Now taste this ... and tell me it isn't the best
Of any confection e'er put to the test."

Now as strange as that was, well, it gets stranger still --
and if you don't believe me, you soon enough will.
He clapped his guest's back, as he showed it the door:
"When ye've et up that batch, come on back -- I'll make more."
The Reaper took the sack and it nodded assent,
Then, smacking its lips, its obligingly went.
And though each year the Reaper this errand repeats
It arrives for old Joe -- and departs with Joe's sweets!

That was long, long ago, and some claim it's not true,
But I'll tell you a secret, just between me and you.
I have here some candy ... and as maybe you've guessed,
It's the finest confection e'er put to the test.
So come on along, all ye oddly dressed moblins,
Come on then! I've no fear of witches or goblins.
When the lantern is lit on the top of the hill,
Just be sure that the woodsman is living here still.

# # #

There! That's all there is. Anyone want some fudge? Pass the sack around! That fire feels good, but it's bone-chilling cold out here tonight!