In the chance you give me a pumpkin, know that you give me so much more.

You have given me a treasure chest.

Of course every pumpkin is full of fibers, pulp and seeds.

Those are valuable but not the point I am trying to make.

You would have given me a container of so much more.

It holds precious memories that shine and glow like a candle in a jack-o-lantern.

***

A pumpkin is a symbol and trigger all in one.

Drawing upon going candy hunting in the crisp air.

So cold that the fingers go numb.

The promise of a future sugar rush enough to keep me moving.

Ushered safely across streets by the guiding hands of a parent.

Excited by the decorations that glitter and energize.

***

A motif that repeats in arts and crafts.

Starting as coloring with orange in elementary school.

Fueled by class pizza and the little things a teacher might do to cause joy.

Marker of a milestone achieved and reward for effort.

Now found in party decorations and pumpkin themed culinary delights.

Used to still cause joy, just in a different direction.

***

A source of excitement seen in chasing a fear high.

A scary movie set to full screen just for the kick of it.

A haunted corn maze explored with friends to display bravery.

Horror games to make the heart race.

For after the shock, the high feels invincible.

At the end of the day I am safe and unharmed like a shot without the pain.

***

So whenever I have a pumpkin I see all of this and more.

A seasonal part of my life echoing through my life and mind.

Carving a ritual of memory and self reflection.

Signifying a new yet familiar part of my history.

I have never been a big fan of the color orange.

But when my eyes fall on a pumpkin, I feel like it cannot be that bad of a color.