Once upon a midnight, scary,
Brother Joe, young sister, Mary,
Snuck outside to take a walk
And have themselves a secret talk.
 
Mom had punished them, although
They said they’d not sassed Uncle Joe
Who lived with them and sometimes thought
They didn’t do the things they ought.
 
Brother, Joe, said, “It’s not right
To punish us!” And so, that night
They snuck out, even though they knew
T’was something that they shouldn’t do.

But as they’re walking down the block
They both receive a sudden shock—
When right in front of them, appears
A witch, who says, “Hello, my dears.
 
What brings you out, this time of night?”
They stare, and stand stock-still, with fright,
“Cat got your tongues?” she asked with glee;
“You look like run-aways to me.”

And Mary, who was scared to death,
Said, very low, under her breath,
“Come on, Joe, let’s get home, quick.
I feel like maybe I’ll be sick.”
 
Then Mary thought she heard her name,
She turned, and down the sidewalk came
Their mother, who was close to tears.
The witch said, “Well, good-by, my dears.
 
Perhaps next time you want to roam,
You’ll think of me, and stay at home.”
Mom took their hands; said “Come along.”
And just like that, the witch was gone.
 
And so, as all kids learn, it’s true:
Moms usually know what they’re up to;
But if, somehow, Moms aren’t aware –
 Kids can give them quite a scare.
 
“And that’s not something good to do.
Would you want Mom scaring you?
You wouldn’t, naturally, and so
It’s best to keep her in the know,”
 
Said their Aunt Sally.  “Now you two,
That’s my sage advice to you.
Go give a hug to Uncle Joe,
He loves you both a lot, you know.
 
Mom followed them upstairs and then
Helped with their pjs, tucked them in;
They had a talk, and straightened out
What all the ruckus was about.
 
She kissed them tenderly and said,
“I love you both, now stay in bed!”
“We love you, Mom. Don’t close the door.”
Mom smiled and answered, “Love you more!”