Halloween

This was the first Halloween I did not go trick-or-treating.
I didn't receive any candy from strangers
or dress up
or run from house to house
excitement building each and every time
a door was opened before me,
no.
It didn't happen this year.
No magic.
No fun.

Yes tears,
I'm old.

,

I cannot fall.
I will not allow myself to.

I walk carefully
taking the path I know well
the clear path
keeping my eyes peeled the entire way, still

I cannot fall.
I am not prepared for the landing.

I do not see any form of support below
no netting or trampoline
or even a mat
I do not believe anyone is there to catch me
and I obviously cannot catch myself

I cannot fall.
Not again.

But if I am tripped
I hope for the strength to stand up quick enough
to keep walking
before
I
am
pulled
down
for
good

just another thought.

It's not your presents that matter most, but rather your presence.