Something frightening this way comes

October ushers in Fall in all its glory, bringing Halloween and homecoming and a creature of elfin proportions, a charming combination of vulnerable child and siren, a woman wearing a hat so large it nearly dwarfs her entire being.

Like all creatures she is put together in ways that will help her survive, keep her alive, promote the continuing existence of those of her kind.

Snuggling close, reaching out to wrap her arms around a willing neck, she bores her way into the heart of her host before removing the hat, revealing the gorgon's head beneath and paralyzing the victim with the venom of her love.

Charming words and a crisp wit dull the sting as this dark side of love, the jealous, insecure, hateful, side, systematically eats away at everything around it.

An entourage of stone still victims stand behind her, each well meaning set of arms frozen in place for ever more.