Hallowe'en, This Year
by Joan Currie

The night seemed to creep in
earlier this year,
yanking the last bit of light
and plunging us into darkness.

Lost cat signs appeared
on telephone poles,
as packs of coyotes
began their rounds,
earlier and earlier.

Warty pumpkins and gourds
jammed the doorsteps,
flanked by life-sized monsters
and skeletons.
Tiny orange bulbs strangled
the trunks of trees.

In a few days,
raucous children
dressed as devils, ghosts,
and superheroes
will scamper through the streets,
demanding treats.

That will be lovely!