Halloween

and here is a goblin, and
here an elf, and here an
Indian with sacks outstretched

for sweets as the leaves turn
to gold, red, brown, carpeting
the sidewalks with autumnal tints,

the sureness of the seasons a
reassurance, yes, as much as
the turning of the moon and

sun into another year, that
time when one world may
reach into another with a touch,

the sliced loaf, the
cup of tea left sitting, stone cold,
overnight, a candle burning

in the lantern, glow-grinning visage
welcoming all