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Hi.

Welcome to This Awful/Awesome Life! My name is Frances Joyce. I am the publisher and editor of this magazine. We'll be exploring different topics each month to inform, entertain and inspire you. Meet new authors, sharpen your brain and pick up a few tips on life, love, entertaining and business. Enjoy and please share!

"Lifting the Veil" A Poem by Fran Joyce

Is it Samhain, All Hallows Eve, or Happy Halloween

As Saints and sinners converge on this special night?

Not living, not dead, simply somewhere in between.

Visiting those left behind to comfort or give a fright.

 

Set a place at the table for the ones death stole away.

Honor their sprits with offerings of favorite foods and drink.

Don your disguise. Fool the evil spirits anxious to play

As the veil between life and death disappears with a wink.

 

Rake the leaves, decorate the porch, and fill the candy bowl.

Pick out the perfect pumpkin. Plan its transformation

Into a funny face, a scary jack-o-lantern, or an ugly troll.

Carve it, paint it, fill it with light, create a new sensation.

 

Soon we’ll let the monsters, witches, and fairies out

To mingle with superheroes, princesses, and buccaneers.

Armed with pillowcases and glow sticks. They’ll walk about

And prowl the streets in search of treats and good cheer.

 

Whatever you celebrate this October thirty-first,

Be generous and kind to all who come your way

The last thing you want next year is to be cursed

 When the Saints and sinners come back to play.

When Halloween Gets Tricky by Fran Joyce

"Lisbeth and Tyler in the Wind" A Short Story by Fran Joyce