The lights of the carousel
illuminate corn husks
in the blue twilight of autumn.

Children run past crisp leaves
of the pumpkin patch
as a scarecrow’s gaze silently
guards his field of gems.

He breaks his concentration
to watch the old ferris wheel’s
twinkles and shimmers
mimic the heaven’s stars.

He hums to the bell cricket’s
chimes and flawless chords
that harmonize prize booths’
jingles and clanks.

The faint laughter of youngsters
carving into his treasures
at first arouses, then horrifies him.

But alas, he shakes his straw head
as his grim-like grin grows wider;
for he knows October
is only one month out of the year.