HALLOWEEN IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS ANYMORE

Why, we wonder, has Halloween become second only to Christmas in modern America's decorations and fascinations.....

Is it possible -- like Christmas -- Halloween whooshes us into the enigmatic realm of the unlikely? Of the deliciously impossible? Is it that it pulls and tugs us out of our everyday comfort zone, compelling a confrontation with things that don't quite compute? In other words, is it possible that this neatly rational century of ours occasionally enjoys giving way to witches, spirits, skeletons, vampires, and all things not of this world?

When kids get this way, it's written off as, well, as kiddish. However, adults in increasing numbers are getting into the act. Masks, costumes, frights, and parties are no longer just for the kids. I mean, why should they have all the fun pretending to be something they're not. A privilege lost with maturity, now fondly re-wished for. Especially when this maturity of ours has ball-and-chained us to such excruciating adult confusions and consternations.

What can be so wrong with a little October escape from them..?

It's not likely the escape will be all that successful. But even prisoners welcome their daily walk under the sun. In the case of Halloween, it's not the sun so much as the moon. Halloween traditionally is played out in the night; and among all things nightly. Time enough to wake up again to the confusions and consternations awaiting us.

In the meantime, take a closer look at those moms and dads escorting their costumed kids to your front door. Is that a wisp of envy you see in their eyes? I know you'll find it in mine....