We didn’t mean to hurt you.

Our cuts were meant to open,

to free,

to bare your face to the world.

You were meant to smile.

But you caved to tiny doubts,

little spores,

entertained them in your teeth

let them settle in your eyes,

until the face we gave you

withered.

Why did you give your smile

to the mold?

#free verse #halloween #jack-o-lanterns #pumpkins #poetry

My spiky edges

run the length of limbs, curve and

shine, turn under thorns.

#haiku

You had no right

to grip my ears and grub and press

with all your sweaty might.

I feel too.

I know too.

My bunny ears are tubed

are creased

are squeeezed

and look like poop.

As if you care.

Belly button lint

is not an issue when you

wear Spandex all day.

#haiku