Every year 
the same deal
treats 
obtained too early 
under the 
seasonally seductive
 store lights  
nestled  next 
 to  the fake fall foliage 
become mysteriously 
rerouted  
from their final destination 
as intense inspections
conducted 
under the guise of 
quality control
these  pilfered  provisions 
perform a vanishing act
visions of  sad 
costumed tots 
at the  doorway 
 with empty bags 
hurry a return visit 
 for rapid  replacements 
tragedy narrowly 
averted 
once 
   again