This time of year makes me think about one of my favorite books “Kiernan’s Catastrophic Collection of Cursed Verses.” Our library has a copy.

It has a black cover that feels warm, almost alive, when you touch it. It’s not in our catalog, and it moves around a lot, even appearing where it’s not supposed to.

Basically, you won’t find this book; it finds you. That’s probably a good thing since the poems in this book have been known to cause stark raving madness, even death. You probably shouldn’t read it, really.

Anyway, here’s one of my favorites from that collection:

Let’s read some words from left to right–

Now follow with your eyes

Within these words, there are some truths

And also maybe lies

Are you reading this by yourself?

Or reading this at home?

Reading to a book group? No!

You’re reading this alone.

I know the dark outside awaits

The windows seeming black

But in the dark, a monster thinks

You’d make a tasty snack.

But wait! The doors! Are they all locked?

The windows still shut tight?

Inside, your lights. They’re flickering.

Outside’s the teeming night.

Do I detect a twinge of fear?

A hitching of your breath?

Fear you’ll be a tasty snack?

Or just afraid of death?

The darkness seems to clutch your chest

A fist that’s closing tight.

Teeth ground sharp, it watches, grins,

As darkness takes your sight

Bravo! You’ve made it to the end.

You’ve read some truths. And lies.

Just know the beast is not out there.

But lives behind your eyes.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Here’s what’s going on at the library this week.

— At 11 a.m. Monday, All Over the Page: A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

When a deranged gunman forces his way into the Center, a women’s reproductive health services clinic, and takes hostages, the police hostage negotiator discovers his daughter is inside the clinic. Books are available at the Circulation Desk.

—At 2 p.m. Monday, Chair Yoga.

—At 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Gentle Yoga.  These classes are taught by Kathy Howard, a certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. There is a $5 charge per class.

—At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Meeting of Minds.  At Meeting of Minds we talk about set topics, or freestyle and see where the conversation goes. We discuss ideas. We don’t argue. Every viewpoint is welcome. For information about the topic this month and to get any reading, please contact Adult Services Librarian, John Maruskin, john.clarkbooks@gmail.com, or 859-744-5661, ext. 110

—At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show. (1953) An associate burns down a wax museum with the owner inside, but he survives and becomes vengeful and murderous.

— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Trivia at the Engine House Pizza Pub.  Match wits with reference Librarian, Jeff Gurnee, the Brainiac of trivia and enjoy a pizza at the same time. If you dare.

— From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Outside the Lines Coloring Club.  Think you’re too old to color? Think again! It’s fun and a great way to combat stress. Adult coloring is all the rage!

James Gardner is a circulation librarian at the Clark County Public Library.