I was almost someone.

I had a name, once.

But now I’m just

The guy in the mask.

I built a haunted carnival from scratch with my bare hands,

Rigged the rides to scream, the mirrors to whisper,

Spent twelve years perfecting the animatronic banshee

That only cries when the moon is full.

I studied fear like a scholar.

I made ghosts from wires and grief.

I was an artist.

I was a craftsman.

I was—

Caught.

Again.

They always show up in that van.

That hideous, flowered, peace-sign-painted,

Mystery-mocking, adolescent death trap.

They smell like bubblegum and betrayal.

They ask questions.

They split up.

They find the lever behind the bookshelf.

They pull the lever.

They ruin everything.

Do you know what it’s like

To be unmasked

By a teenager in an ascot?

To have your legacy reduced

To a punchline and a mugshot?

To scream “I would’ve gotten away with it!”

And mean it

With your whole broken heart?

Every time.

I wasn’t evil.

I was underpaid.

I was overlooked.

I was trying to reclaim

The amusement park my father built

Before the city paved it over

To make room for a froyo stand.

I wore the ghost suit

Because no one listens to a man in khakis.

I made the swamp glow

Because grief needs ambiance.

But they never ask why.

They never ask why.

They just rip off the mask

And laugh.

And laugh.

And laugh.

I haunt because I have no home.

I scare because I was scared first.

I chase because I’m always running

From the memory of who I used to be

Before the meddling

Before the kids

Before the dog

With the stupid laugh.

I was almost someone.

I had a name, once.

But now I’m just

The guy in the mask.

I was almost someone.

I had a name, once.

But now I’m just

The guy in the mask.

And Halloween

Is the only night

I can really be me

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I grew up loving this show. As an adult, I kind of feel sorry for the villains. Having kids ruin your life sucks, lol. This is their story.