Garlands, toy reindeer, snowmen and lights,
coffee cups and towels of Christmas’ boxed life.
Nutcrackers, fake snow, broken bulbs and wreaths,
staple gun found and ladders for reach-
ing up to the eaves, bushes and trees and
the important task of hanging the stock-
ings, one, two, three, four, that’s it; no more!
Holiday placemats, children’s sweet faces,
potpourri, ribbons, bows and wrap, fridge magnets
and curious cats who can’t stay out of
boxes of stuffed Santas and holiday light-
ings to adorn a tree, a bush, a fence,
a roof, a kid, a cat, my head; unwrap!
Garland the tree, wait, put the lights on first!
Where are the ornaments, the tinsel, and the star?
Can’t believe I’ve been through ten boxes so far.
So many memories with each piece removed,
forty-four years and the season of color-
ing still thrills my eyes, my heart and
the roof of my mind. Its symbol of peace
and good will to men seems so much more
possible when lit from within; watch out,
the kitten’s in the tree, scat her, now! Turn off
the room lights, it’s time to be silent, to thank
Time for life, to mourn other’s hardships,
and to fill our souls with the beautiful essence
of The Golden Rule’s lesson. Let’s renew our vow-
ing to treat people kindly, to help when we can
and to give humanity the chance of rebirth-
ing ideals, pick a Star, lead with your spirit,
wrap your garland of love around fellow men.

Erin Moen
12/9/03
Copyright 2003 ©