Ladies and gentlemen, there's not long to go now. The big day approaches!

Thanks to everyone who took part in yesterday's poll. It's still open, if anyone else would like to participate.

Via ankh_hpl: The Science Fiction Poetry Association's annual Halloween poetry reading page is up now, with audio selections from dark poets plus accompanying spooky artwork. What’s not to love?

Happy early birthday wishes to bookwoman2009, jinjifore, edroxy, lindajsingleton, xtrustisyoursx, and John Granger. May each of you enjoy many happy returns of the day.

Thanks to cookiefleck for this haunting photo. Look at those details! (Click for a larger version.)




Text of the Day: Obviously what this countdown needs is a little more Emily Dickinson (1830-1886).

"The Only Ghost I Ever Saw"

The only ghost I ever saw
Was dressed in mechlin, -- so;
He wore no sandal on his foot,
And stepped like flakes of snow.
His gait was soundless, like the bird,
But rapid, like the roe;
His fashions quaint, mosaic,
Or, haply, mistletoe.

His conversation seldom,
His laughter like the breeze
That dies away in dimples
Among the pensive trees.
Our interview was transient,--
Of me, himself was shy;
And God forbid I look behind
Since that appalling day!


"One Need Not Be A Chamber To Be Haunted"

One need not be a chamber to be haunted,
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.

Far safer, of a midnight meeting
External ghost,
Than an interior confronting
That whiter host.

Far safer through an Abbey gallop,
The stones achase,
Than, moonless, one's own self encounter
In lonesome place.

Ourself, behind ourself concealed,
Should startle most;
Assassin, hid in our apartment,
Be horror's least.

The prudent carries a revolver,
He bolts the door,
O'erlooking a superior spectre
More near.