Amid splashes of erect evergreens
stand branches with sparse foliage
of yellow, amber and red.
Squirrels scramble to hoard acorns
in tree hollows and beneath the earth
at the edge of the paved sidewalk.
A boisterous group with squeals
and shrieks, steps over a leafy heap.
The lone songbird scurries to safety
at the loud crunch.
Pretty pumpkins in sizes large and small
adorn open and closed spaces.
Young and the ever-young
customize costumes with care -
Fairies, goblins, witches of yesteryear,
Voldemort, Harry Potter, Hagrid, Hermione
Gremlins, Penny Proud, ChatGPT monsters
and more. Whatever the era, all Gens
love Jack-o'-lanterns, Trick or Treat
and a bagful of candies.
Sans religious trappings and human conflicts,
Halloween’s fun...
