The poem describes the events and dangers of Halloween night. It warns readers to carve their pumpkins and disguise themselves, as witches and warlocks will be preparing dangerous brews. Without a costume, one should hide indoors from ghouls, ghosts, and goblins seeking to annoy or destroy. The poem closes by mentioning the sounds of trick-or-treating children and instructing readers to give them candy so they will go away, locking their doors and hoping the jack-o-lantern's candle stays lit.