Yesterday, Or The Day Before

Another Halloween has passed –
does it really seem a year has gone
since last we saw goblins and ghost
and other alien forms of life
standing at our door,
hoping to fill their bags?
I plainly remember last year,
yesterday or the day before,
not months and months ago,
when I was younger than today.
But as I went outside this morning,
the leaves seemed a little redder,
more yellow and brown – less green
than yesterday’s were.
Fall and the weather both know
it’s now the time of year
for pumpkins to turn into pie,
turkeys to become golden,
dressing filled birds,
and soon – the jingle of bells,
the piney smell of fresh cut trees,
the sight of gaily wrapped gifts
of this and that,
and Santa’s laughter in our ears.
A year ago I opened the door
to laughter and giggles,
a shouted “Trick or Treat!”,
and aliens before my eyes . . .
a Year ago,
just yesterday, or the day before.

© wesley james beard, jr.
november 1, 2003