The night is still, yet something feels amiss,
As children come for treats and playful bliss.
I smile and drop the candy in their bags,
But shadows stretch, and time begins to lag.
Each face I see, a mask, but not quite right,
Their hollow eyes reflect the fading light.
They shuffle close with whispers soft and cold,
My hands grow numb, the candy turns to mold.
They’re not the ones I thought I'd see tonight—
Too late I shut the door against the night.
