Toll and tallow

How dark the air that winter brings to bear Its dampness crawls into my very soul A sickly moon attempts some light to share As through the mist a bell begins to toll Against all odds, in saturated air A moth flits round the incandescent glow Of a candle flickering in despair From witnessing that masochistic show A fledermaus is beaten to its prey By a widow descending on a thread Vague shadowed forms of hounds are stood at bay Watched over by an owl that turns her head Two amber eyes now pierce this witching night For tricks and treats that dwell beyond our sight ~