Harvest Moon’s eerie shadow
paints the landscape
shades of gray and white
bringing goblins, ghosts, and clowns
to fields of plenty
the echo of children’s laughter
doorbells ringing
little feet running
treats counted
with squeals of glee
the night advances
little eyes droop
and lose the fight
and close for the night
till at last all is quite
on autumns eve

Joseph
October 25, 1996