Happy Pumpkin Day!

I don’t enjoy scary movies
nor would I ever put
a giant skeleton on my lawn.
I wonder why people do.
Why is it fun to pretend
to be what you are not,
making the rounds
to collect packets of toxicity
we know we should avoid?
I’d rather people cavort
in their blazing authenticity
than ever hide behind a mask.
I’d rather we hand each other
support or approval or compliments,
–real treats–
like love and mercy and kindness.
And who wants to trick
or be tricked
when they can bless
or be blessed instead?
I’m not much a fan of darkness
preferring glowing radiance
or gleaming illumination.
And why flirt with
the eerie and ephemeral,
when you can romance
the actual and assured?
Spiders and bats
and creepy things
are fine where they belong,
but I really don’t appreciate
the great color combo
of orange and black
being co-oped
by a holiday I don’t embrace.
Pumpkins, on the other hand–
those I can totally rally behind.
They are cheery and oh so very
shapely and individual.
They are stalwartly gracious,
humble containers
filled with of seeds of hope,
each awaiting an opportunity
to contribute in the world,
meekly self perpetuating,
healthy and thriving
in the bright light of day.
They are natural, honest,
harmless and substancial,
reassuring, comforting,
peaceful and calming.
That’s something to celebrate!
Happy Pumpkin Day!

by Polly Castor
10/31/24