It’s December
and the promise of Christmas
is in the air

Jolly Santas are ringing bells
on toasted almond-scented
street corners

the city is breathing a
a dream drenched in
Christmas wreaths, red ribbons
and holiday sales

Tall winter boots
greet the snow-packed streets

Icy windshields are waving back
to honking cars

people are sunken into
deep thoughts of
errands and
responsibilities

The bus is late

Someone is going to miss their
appointment
while the tune of Jingle Bells
and the flashing lights of the city
conquer the grey skies

We should get home soon
to warm dinners
and cozy living rooms

leaving receipts and
instant messages behind

donating carefully
wrapped Peace instead
to everyone around

with homemade Love
that’s personalized
with a silver tag

raising a glass of
fine chardonnay
to scoring authentic
Care with a designer label
at a deep holiday discount

and gifting it to
all people on our Christmas lists

all year long

without a gift receipt