Somber Spectres
written by: Tina Hudak
The old folks are so very
weary of carving pumpkins
or handing out candy to rot
the teeth of those too young
to care for consequences.
This year specters of doom
roam close by this house on
the corner and elsewhere.
No one here is laughing at the
silly antics or words of anyone.
The militants prowl our streets.
Children run in feral fear while
grown-ups remain enclosed
behind closed doors. Secured.
No. This year the yellow porch
light is off. All is dark. Gates are
locked. All is bolted. The heart is
closed to things bringing more
upheaval and discontent. On this
Halloween fading into night fog.
Tina Hudak, a writer and artist, has works in the Library of Congress and The Women's Museum in Washington, D.C. She lives with her husband and cat in an old farmhouse five miles from the U.S. Capitol. She pretends she is further away. Inspiration comes from her garden, family, and other writers and artists to whom she is eternally grateful.
Latest posts by Tina Hudak (see all)
- Somber Spectres - October 31, 2025
- Speaking to Starlings - February 19, 2025
- Only Candy - October 29, 2023
