The October Woods

Follow the autumnal path

That branches off September Park

Into the October Woods

Pull up your hood for perpetual rain—

Not a downpour, just a drizzle—

Trickling through the colorful leaves

The damp red, yellow, and orange

As they drift down with the westward wind

And decorate the forest floor

In a patchwork quilt

That you trample beneath your feet

***

Follow the Jack-o-lantern’s light

The candles flickering in the distance

Always lit, no matter the weather,

To guide you through

The never ending twilight

The owls calling from above

As a cat screams in the night

Its black silhouette

Barely visible in the fading light

As you continue down the path

Further and further

Into eternity’s grasp

***

Follow the children’s laughter

As they squeal with glee

At the frights they give each other

In costumed parades and playful tricks

Follow them to a place

Where adults can join in the fun

Where crows are Kings of Wisdom

Not just the nuisance from above

Where candy is a staple

Not just the occasional treat

Where the weird and gruesome are embraced

Where they’ve made room for people

Who act like you and me

***

Follow the screams and the singing

The scares and the joy

The paradox of the full moon

To the brightness of Halloween’s Clearing

Where lanterns lighten the night

As bright as day

And reflect off rain-covered leaves

Where pumpkin spice runs as freely as water

And candy is abound

Where adults and children come together

Some living out fantasies

Some bloodier than Hell

All living their best lives

As one—

In weirdness we stand, forever