Junk Drawer

By the end of November, most of the carved pumpkins, or jack-o-lanterns, have disappeared from windows and porches. Aside from a few lingering white strands of fake cobwebs caught up in branches and covered in dry leaves, almost all traces of Halloween are gone. These pumpkins on top of a garbage can seemed to be enjoying one last moment, with their slowing shriveling grins. No longer the focus of a seasonal display and greeting trick-or-treaters, their faces nonetheless caught my attention. And, since I was strolling down a dark alley, I can say they even looked a bit spooky. That’s the best a carved pumpkin can hope for. That, and having someone roast pumpkin seeds. I was possibly the last to see these pumpkins before they were picked up the next morning.