Art by Norma Jean Zahner
It’s time to ghoul-up and ghostify. Who will be your monster d’jour this Halloween?
Marvel, D.C. Comics, and dad’s closet will provide truckloads of super hero regalia for the kids. Giant store chains will deliver monsters galore – worthy of an extra handful of Sour-Patch at your door. And anyone in movie character garbs, with glistening eyes and coats of silky down, will be treated with anything that resembles melty chocolate, peanut butter, and a double dose of sugar.
This septuagenarian loves dressing up too. It’s never too old to look ridiculous. I like being something I’m not … just for one night.
But this year, I want some magic. Real magic. A radical change. A push-back. Magic that produces real superheroes who have vision, fairness, honor, scruples. Doesn’t that thought blow a waft of fresh air ‘round your ear and give you a walloping inhale of humanity?
I want to fill my heart with change. But my heroes like the Daniel Boones, Harriet Tubmans, Rachel Carsons, Captain Americas have faded. Those people and characters, bigger than life, were willing to make a difference, no matter what.
Right now, I’m cheering for every David—stone in hand, heart ablaze—who dares to stand against the towering Goliaths and the bullies that shadow our days. This Halloween, I’m wearing black tactical gear with a treat bag filled with pride. I’ll accessorize with Gucci sandals of course. A wonder-girl has to draw a line.
Consider what kind of magic and power you might summon and wear this Halloween, or any hour in these troubled times. An ensemble of courage, a cloak of change, a mantle of humanity. I don’t care if it’s a suit or a shmatte. Just slide your brave self into it and one-by-one, we shall metamorph this mad mad world.
After all, Halloween and the day after are a remembrance of those who’ve passed-on and the Saints we honor.
Cinch up your golden belt, heroes and heroines. It’s time to super-celebrate a revival of good old-fashioned Pluck.
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