The shadow of leaves from a tree
dance across the house next door
but in the darkness of last eve
only the children’s shadows
poured
dressed in Halloween costumes
finer than any Hallows Eve before
they came and kept leaving their
ghostly imprints on concrete
floor
smiles and laughter challenging
fears of a society that they
would dispel as though magic
were in the air and fear
just queerish
a memory of one small girl
a costume only a thin cloak
her words uncovered for she
asked for only a hug
nothing more
my heart was warmed
by her gesture
of which I obliged
in loving
measure
Ā© November 2020 Renee Espriu
Image Taken From Public Domain Pictures and Created as Art
reneejustturtleflight.com 
Beautiful poetry Renee.. So please the children came out in so many.. Here all celebrations cancelled, we are in total lockdown in our district and from the 5th the whole of England will be once again.. We were locked down for Three whole months before… But they forget the Human spirit… and those HUGS which were delivered from one such young child, shows it will not be broken..
Love and Huge hugs your way dear Renee.. Hope you are well and enjoying your artwork.. ā¤ ā¤ ā¤
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Thank you, Sue. I am sorry to hear you are on lock down once more. The are stages here and can be different county to county. I live in Thurston and it is at a better state whereas, in Pierce where I go to my doctors there are still more restrictions in place. My sister who lives in CA had no children come to my dad’s house where she resides. It was highly discouraged. A year without children in their brightly colored costumes is a sad year. Do take care and know there are still so many children there who selflessly offer their love. I have not done a canvas in awhile now and it has been very cold…another reason I have not. Do take care my dear friend. xoxox
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What a wonderful and moving poem.
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Thank you, Libby. I have loved seeing the children come over the years but this Halloween will be the one I remember best. Be well.
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That is a lovely poem. The part about the memory stabbed at the heart.
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Thank you. I have interacted with children on Halloween for many years of my life now but that single child will remain within my heart. Take care.
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A most touching image of the child asking only for a hug on Halloween. It’s such a strange time right now (for so many reasons….none of the holidays will be normal this year).
I hope you’re doing as well as possible. Guess we’re in for some colder weather this weekend….stay warm and take care.
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Thank you Betty. It is very cold here so have pulled out the Winter coat and gloves. Take care!
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Winter clothes out here too! Heavy frost here this morning….already counting the days till spring.
(I think of you, since we’re just an hour apart. Maybe someday after the pandemic our paths will cross — though I’ve become rather a hermit. Stay well, my friend. )
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A beautiful poem Renee, there is something gentle, nostalgic and ethereal about it.
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Thank you, Andrea. Seemingly such an ordinary little girl but anything but. A gift to me.
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so poignant Renee!! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful poem!
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Thank you. She was a sweet child and so touched my heart. A surprisingly wonderful Halloween. Take care.
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heart sweet!!!
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This child was just that ‘heart sweet’. Caught me off guard totally and as many years as I have watched children come to the door to ask for their treats, this is the first time she was more interested to get a hug. Be well.
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