Masked Marauders

On eve of darkness, looming still,
The masked marauders dress to thrill.
They tease and haunt,
Perchance to taunt:
"Bring treats to keep us from ill will."

These costumed callers scare me not.
Adorable, they giggle on the spot.
With wands and bags,
Fairies and hags
Say "Thanks" for goodies, as they ought.

The goriest of dripping fangs
On freaky trick-or-treating gangs -
None frighten me,
Despite their glee,
In this, their annual harangue.

For this is but a masquerade,
These merry monsters on parade.
Each hides his face
For change of pace,
Not unlike games adults have played.

A full-time pretense? That I fear,
When folks are not as they appear.
Not Halloween,
But in-between,
How many wear their masks all year?