Halloween Poetry

by Michelle Davidson Argyle

The night before the spooks come out
snow is falling despite the drought.
So when you transform,
be sure to dress warm
or you may freeze beyond a doubt!

-Michelle Argyle, 10/30/03

The leaves are blowing up the street
like tiny skeletons indiscreet.
They remind us of Fall
and Winter's cold crawl,
but for now we'll dress up and eat sweets!

-Michelle Argyle, 10/10/03

All Hallow's Eve

It seems the strangest of nights,
this night,
the night I found you
in your bed,
your eyes open
to the ceiling and
no pulse at your wrists
or neck or temples.

I have found blood in the
hallway. I have found blood on the
walls, a knife in the sink
with the dishes,
footprints on the porch,
tire tracks in the drive, skid
marks down the road.

It is the 31st.
It is 11:58 p.m.
It is the night of the full moon.
I see trees falling. I see you
in your bed surrounded
by black cats.

-Michelle Davidson, 10/26/02

She Meets October

Beneath September your breath
beats color.
Firm as the veins in my child's hands,
you tighten fists on limbs,
flow fire to clouds.

You cry from your maker,
dance red-yellow in rivers,
curl corners in clusters.

Your frozen stem finds
my child's fingers.

Hold to her face your splendor.

-Michelle Davidson, 2001