Halloween is the time of year

when meals come straight to her door–

a black cauldron roils contents of

gall of goat, eye of newt, pineapple

sliced by Grim Reaper’s scythe,

splash of Devil’s Springs vodka–

the fire sizzles and spits.

The doorbell rings, a chorus of

Trick or Treat! The buffet calls from

outside her dark door.

Treats of chocolate caramel Twix

trick the children, who live with

the old woman, who lives in a shoe.

Taking turns on a stool,

one by one the shadow of

sharpened shears loom over their

heads and SNIP! Chunks of hair

spider the stew–bubbles with

succulent shapes of lice.