It’s been trick or treat all year,
though no one’s been to my door.
News is a petulant child
running loose on the airwaves,
heavy on the trick,
sparse on the treat;
scare stories to chill the hearts
of the most level minded souls.
My curtains remain open,
I’m just willing them to knock,
though I cannot pass out candy.
This year have my TV,
a year’s subscription if you life —
so long as you take it away.

Copyright Francis Barker 2020