Autumn, October, ghost, spooky, hand, costume |
Old Salem's October tourists Keep missing out. Why? Those purists Seek only Salem's staid witchlore and Thankfully, never look next door. Witches are frightening, I suppose. But after seeing Gloucester, one knows Autumn has scares galore to sample Unlike Salem. An example: Hammond Castle's haunted house Every weekend draws the crowds. Salem? Humbug! The locals know Hammond's the better place to go. The medieval atmosphere Says doom to ye who enter here. A swimming pool, salty and dank Holds a floating body turning rank. Salem's costume palaver pales Besides Hammond's keening wails. Visitors think Salem's spooky; We know it's contrived and kooky. A gauntleted hand's sudden reach Induces panic and you screech. An ancient knight's vengeful ghost Is abandoning his post. Fresh horrors lurk. In every room Are Gruesome figures, but no broom, Or cape, or hat, or magic wand. You're not a tourist; they've been conned. Eccentric Hammond, protege Of Edison, in his day, Built this castle, this museum, To fulfill his living dream. Salem's famous; Hammond unknown. We museum patrons stand alone, And obscure; still we remember Especially post-September. |