The autumn leaves are rust and gold, a perfect painted scene The children laugh in costumes, living out a sugar dream A ghost, a witch, a superhero, knocking on the doors Oblivious to the ancient laws... and what the night abhors... They see the smiling pumpkins, the flickering candle light They do not see the shadow that stands just out of sight It doesn't wear a costume, it doesn't wear a mask It has a single, patient, and eternal, simple task... There's a shape in the crowd... It doesn't make a sound... It watches from the darkness on this hallowed ground... While you are laughing... it is waiting... There's a shape in the crowd... And its hunger is abating... for now. The parents stand on porches, they talk of bills and rain They think the greatest danger is a childhood tummy pain They check the candy, watch for cars, they think that they're aware They do not feel the cold spot, hanging in the autumn air It walks among the children, a wolf among the sheep While all the town's protectors are comfortably asleep It isn't here for candy, it isn't here for fun Its work will not be over 'til the rising of the sun... There's a shape in the crowd... It doesn't make a sound... It watches from the darkness on this hallowed ground... While you are laughing... it is waiting... There's a shape in the crowd... And its hunger is abating... for now. The porch light flickers... a bulb dies on the street... Do you hear it now...? The rhythm of its feet...? It's choosing...
