On Halloween Night 2021
On Halloween Night 2021
Scary Sonnets
I
My dear reader we must disguise ourselves
avoid being the drab we just might die
unless we hide behind a mask to try
a witch hunt in theaters or bookstore shelves.
The pale winter reflects a deer’s red blood
sacrificial stains on a hanging sheet
an ancient burial beneath our feet
where bones with flesh still present sink in mud.
A monster hanging from homemade gallows
a paddle used for beating lies nearby
the hanging and the beating bring terror.
Something scandalous lurks in the shadows
on Halloween the graves sprinkled with lye
a cold winter breeze points at our error.
II
A jar for collecting teeth on their edge
will rattle with loud psalm by ragged pipes
all these different sizes and different types
whose music echoes from each lofty ledge.
Chants from hooded participants of mass
a dancing witch setting fire to the hay
a message telling us we cannot stay
blood stains the breach through which we need to pass.
With Nutmeg and Saffron for Puritans
savory meats to serve the goblin
and scrap to throw to the weary old troll.
We will survive this night of skeletons
we will find solution to our problem
move into winter toughened by our toll.
III
The moon will soon be washed of blood and shine
the hanging linen will be pure and white
from nasty witches to a blizzard’s flight
through evenings braided light on woven vine.
To take a break from August’s weathered tools
and release yearly fights in October
embrace our gratitude in November
winter wraps us in our collected wools.
So our family pantry is fully stocked
our cupboards full with three pounds of sugar
and five pounds of grains and beans to prepare.
These dark winter nights we keep our door locked
even though December seems less vulgar
from lasting memory of this Fall’s terror.
For more works like On Halloween Night 2021 and other works by this author visit
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- On One Terrible Night: The Family Well - November 8, 2024
- A Peaceful Place to Slumber - November 8, 2024
- Soft Shock of Apples Falling - April 22, 2024
A wonderful poem for Halloween, Jamie. Thank you for sharing.
You set the stage well for a great Halloween night., Jamie. Well done on the sonnets.