the skeletal queen
just out of the half-shell
now in a birdbath
splashes around
pink shower cap on
sponge in hand
her mirror awaits
to primp for the ball
her dress
raven-delivered
airmail express
rats bear bonbons
to their bony queen
getting ready to party
with witches and ghouls
and things better not seen
except on Halloween
in the Virginia Florist window
— Peter Lattu