Happy Halloween 2023
by Michael Doyle

Pumpkin, ghosts, and black cats
Coffins, ghouls, and witches hats
It's a dizzying juxtaposition
Of death in a freeform composition 

Each holiday has its own marked place
That helps society's children embrace
The traces of life that we all know
That shift like magic to help them grow

These are the moments frightfully whimsical
That come scattered, and at times, nonsensical 
All saintly souls are present on this day
Teaching the acceptance of death that comes this way

For all the horror tales, movies, and witches
That scare us to death or leave us in stitches
Memento mori pieces leave their best trace
As a reminder to all of mortality's embrace

Pumpkin, ghosts and black cats
Coffins, ghouls, and witches hats
It's a dizzying juxtaposition
Of death in a freeform composition

Scares, laughter, fear, and frivolity 
As Fall prepares for Winter's dormancy
We wish each other happiness on this Halloween
And though we smile, we know exactly what it means

(c) October 31, 2023   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved