(Orginally published as part of The Oral Tradition. This is a very fun seasonal listen. The other poets took the same prompt in different directions)

The bells ring out at noon.
Shakes the crow from the loft
At night clouds shroud the moon 
Ghostly steps echo soft.

The hinge at the cemetery gate
Sings a doleful tune.
Whispers to scarlet leaves left late
Your time is coming soon.

The lantern burns a tallow candle
Mantle the flame
Don’t start a scandal.
There are creatures abroad to tame.

Do not give way to fright
They mean no harm
Give them candy late at night.
No need to raise an alarm.



The following word prompt was given:
Bells, Crow, shroud, Hinge, Scarlet,
Tallow, Mantle.

Happy Halloween.

I think the white meetinghouse, which is iconic feature in New England landscape, will become a series of paintings. There is a lot I could do with it, just like the woods. Need to even out my proportions though.