Sweets

Ducking the saffron stars
landscaping hyacinth skies,
we trail urchin footprints
disappearing in the new night.
Dew of last October, a waning
moon setting early and
shadows like pewter bamboo
strands falling into a low river.

We trail singed pumpkin smoke,
sighting witches snagged in
the old oak branches, river winds
scrambling their cries. We
trail the ladybug, the witch, the
butterfly, the sugar maple leaves
skittering like rats at our feet.
Asphalt diamond and grape soda

Pooling at our feet, spells lifting
strands of hair at the back of
our necks and at every door, a
sweet hospitality and we
flee, seeking the next.