the

dissociating smiles

of pumpkins

trade steps out

of hell--

as white cats lick

the odd pumpkin seed

left from the carve.

there's bluejays mauling

black cats in a shrill shred

of music prone to a cool

wind.

while blackbirds light candles

to haunt condemned houses.

i like the extra layers this

time of year...

so your bones get to stay

in bed...like saints all day.