Eerily Devious

The hazy dampness enfolding the surroundings,
enriching the darkness.
Silhouetted trees starkly black against
the gloom of yellowed lamplight.
Houses bare, absent of life in an
otherwise bustling community.
Forlorn seems too kind a description.
Murky desolation entrancing the viewer.
Slippery pavement seen as smooth glass,
reflective of the eclectic atmosphere
besieging the eve.
Glimpses of flickering lights passing by,
evicting their presence of this settlement.
Their secrets no more revealed than
that of spirits aimlessly wandering in
marked repose.
Misting sleet enamored with the air,
gently traipsing to blanket the livelihood
of humanity.
Precious candlewicks gracing absent windowsills,
glowing in retrospect of belief, death, faith.
The innocuous cadence of falling liquid
beseeches the kindred soul,
focused, intent on drawing forth prospective
victims.
The picturesque landscape masked by the
onset of fog,
swarming to devour the abnormally
reticent town.
One would press such description
as late summer paradigms, though
in relaxed defiance would mournfully discern a
ground draped in accumulated snowfall.
The very visage of Old Man Winter's
scheme in full play.