Thirteen Inch Black and White Christmas

He crushed out his last cigarette;
popped the top on another luke warm beer-
It's a thirteen inch black and white Christmas-
and that's the way it's been for years

In this drabby little corner apartment;
there are no twinklin' lights-
There's spiderwebs for garland; 12 ounce ornaments;
and many cold and lonely nights

The only fat man that ever visits;
is the landlord when he wants the rent-
The only gift he ever offers-
is cold air from the heater vents

Broken windows and paper thin walls;
the neighbors have fought all night-
Now everyone knows about his Ho-Ho-Ho;
she's a green-eyed blonde with an overbite

Even the roaches are cussin' and swearin';
over the lack of mealtime crumbs-
While the rats have discovered the Christmas cheer;
in a bottle of bacardi rum

It's a thirteen inch black and white Christmas;
with snow every day of the year-
He checked every pack for a cigarette;
then popped the top on his last warm beer

It's New Year's Eve in poverty hell;
no smokes; no money; no beer;
The neighbors are doing the headboard slam;
slurrin' and shoutin' Happy New Year!

© Lisa Hilbers
12/17/05