The past few Halloweens haven’t felt the same.
Children still race around collecting candy,
and I wonder if I’m to blame.
I’m still in a costume as I walk home.
I’m wearing my normal clothes.
Barbies, angels, Marios all pass me by.
The childhood I can’t return to
is reflected in their eyes.
In their “we’ll be home by 9!”
And I see
the impermanence of youth
they have yet to realize.
I got home at 7:36.
Stayed in bed listening to music.
Longing for a time
before the costume
became my permanent disguise.