Cabeza de Calabaza.

Feathertop was a scarecrow

with a pumpkin head.

His mother thought he should live

but he thought otherwise.

He looked into the mirror

and broke his pipe in two.

Now, his mother props him up

and says he's better just a scarecrow.

"Such a jumble of charlatans in the world,

yet they live and never see themselves for what they are."

"The pumpkin, believe it or not, is a queer fruit. The plant is monoecious, having both male and female flowers on the same vine. The male flowers spring up quickly, like little soldiers that soon fall to the poppy fields, to allure bees with their swollen and aching stamen; the patch soon becomes a staple for the working lady bee to lap up every bit of nectar the lofty males can muster. The males, truly, only serve the queen however. She is a gentle and delicate flower that may only bloom once a day and may wilt if not soon met by her brother's lovers. Once a tiny bi-curious bee peaks her fuzzy pollinated head to observe the queen's sleepy repose, the fickle virginal pumpkin blossom may rest her petals gingerly on the hard worker-woman. The bee will likely not waste time with idle introductions. As the Jane leaves, our messy and well-worn queen may commiserate with her dying brothers. The fathers working under the lifeless sun, so indifferent to their dance."

-A soliloquy by the Great P. Linus

A Recipe for Empanadas de Calabaza

First, smash the head on the floor (I assure you it's the easiest way). For now don't worry about the mess. Put the pieces into a large stock pot and boil until tender. ¡Importante! Make sure the skin is face-down. Once the skin falls away from the meat, drain the pot and set aside. When the meat has cooled a bit, place in a fresh pot to mash and simmer. Add your spices and your sugar (though, try for piloncillo for the extra authenticity). Taste for sweetness. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. For the pastry, mix well the flour and oil con las manos y con ganas. Use half the water to activate the dough and add the other half to make it sweet and sticky. The dough needs a siesta to dream. Take the meat and examine the contents; the brains of the head-fruit should be as toasted as the Pumpkin King's; take the time to clean. Once the dough wakes, divvy the pastry and roll it out. Spoon the meat onto each puffy pillow and wrap them up snuggly so they won't leave their beds. Carefully, as not to wake them again, lay over fresh parchment sheets and wash them with an egg for luck. Place in the oven and flip once to golden on each side. The magic is in the first bite, which reinvigorates the eyes and skin.

What could be more conducive to healthy brain activity,

than eyes with truthful sight or supple skin that eyes truer see?