i think we're close to Halloween

i know

when it's close to Halloween.

it's obvious,

no one has to tell me,

or point

at the calendar page.

the neighbor has strung

up cob

webs on the trees

and over their door.

they've

set out an array of pumpkins,

carved

with lights

beaming

from their chopped eyes

and mouth.

there's an illuminated

skeleton

hanging from the flagpole,

and a speaker

with music, emitting

screams,

and guttural roars.

rubber spiders and rats

are everywhere

you look,

but when it comes down to it

for the kids,

it's all about

the candy.

no boxes of raisins

or apples, please,

just candy bars.