Anniversaries

 

I DON’T KNOW WHY

It had to be October--

I don't know why--

October, when rain falls dreary,

And the hawks cry for loss,

When lone train whistles grieve

On the cold East wind--

Why, in October,

This month of shadows and ghosts,

Trees weeping dull brown leaves,

Dry grass rustling in fences,

Moments of mocking sunshine

Swallowed by clouds--

In October, oh why,

When times could be spent

With candy, and bonfire nights,

Masquerades and brave pretense,

But for the melancholy fact

Of parting in October.