october

With my light striking

 the bike path in front of me, he looks like an alien

at my side, strange nose and haircut. He looks like a mad scientist

at my side, springs and cranks

jiggling and popping. He looks pale at my side. He looks

happy. His breathing is hard.

I wish him a happy October, then press on,

crushing the colorful and crunchy underfoot,

light slashing the evening, a blade

of fearless

ninja.