farm stand Jack O'lanterns and pies waiting in line
Darkness. A soft rustling in the trees. Wood smoke carried by the wind. The scurrying chase of dried leaves.
A door slams. A shout, followed by another. Footsteps starting slowly, then moving faster. More shouts and a stream of light across the cold sidewalk. Gone in a minute. The footsteps continue, getting louder and more frenzied. Running now. Squeals and screams. Another flash of light. Pounding feet coming from all directions.
a chilly dampness seeping into the bags and bones of Trick or Treaters Contemporary Haibun On-Line, October, 2005