Twas the Night Before Hal-Con
By Larry Gent

A poem about the last minute Con Woes.

‘Twas the night before Hal-Con, and all thro the city

Every creature was stirring, especially the committee

The costumes were hung in the closest with care,

In hopes that tomorrow would soon be there;

The cosplayers were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of excitement danc’d in their heads,

When from the other room there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

The helmet had fallen and crashed to the floor

Taking damage only seen from a great war.

The stitching had failed and my cloak was undone

And I stood there staring with a look of pure stun.

This cosplay had been months of hard work,

It had driven me mad and sent me berserk.

I could not sew when all this had began,

And none of this project had proceeded as planned.

It started as clothe and evolved into foam.

I embroidered, and painted and even used chrome.

The cost had tripled from my initial budget

And my family had questioned my better judgement.

But I pressed onwards until it was done

Because deep down I found it all fun.

I took a deep breath, and reached for my kit,

I glanced at my suit and figured a refit.

I stared at my costume as the moon glowed bright

Happy, Hal-Con to all but I ain’t sleeping tonight.