Heralding new, in skeletal chariot;
she chases fodder across Solstice night.
Bright ribbons, on garlands made of *******.
Beiwe feasts.

By paper-lantern light

flames colour a snow crystals dance, beautifully enchanting, to

the distant sound of singing; Joyous songs of celebration, lulling all in revelry. Each note heard

in silent reverence, beneath the skeletal canopy of majestic oak spread. Where from amongst the

damp branches, wise old saucer eyes calls "Ubi? Ubi?", heralding a cacophony of wide-eyed whispers

This afternoon, sweet twilight guides our paths as we search on ever onward journeys unknown; Our

arms collecting firewood, to fill the empty hearths of others. Unaware of the cold hands, we are, when

there's such warmth in our hearts. We toil within the stillness, snow falling softly, and covering the
  
crisp ground. From deep beneath the dazzling pure white, tiny hibernating animists
  
blink wide from the                               warmth of hidden
  
woodland beds.                        Gently,         
   sweep the                   12 droplets
                             of ice from                 all our eyes, Sol,                   
                             as we cough        darkness                                
                     from our      lungs,                       
                       watching the sparkles     of no                                              
                      matter,  floating                  
in the  paper-
            lantern light            
       to scatter across    
this   Solstice   sky,
illuminating our fates,
as cold  snowflake hearts
twinkle like falling stars, unseen,
turning, embracing the return of the Light

T
i
n
der
of smiles,
c r a c k ling
word sparks,
ignite the
dry.

Stand up.
look us in the eye;
Equal us,
boy
.

Teasing?

As if
I would

but then

I
can't speak

for my
lips

●^●                                                              ­                                                          
Mistle­toe with berries red, chestnuts roasting, kids in bed.                    
        Glass of eggnog,cheeky kiss, how I live for times like this!                          
     Wrapping done, and stockings filled, brandy warmed                        
and champagne chilled. Baking done, put up our                
feet, and sip the drips from lips so sweet x       
Turkey thawed, ready to roast. Cards      
all sent by last nights post. Treats
left out for old St Nick,
but maybe add a carrot,
quick! Snowman built,
and robins fed. So now
hush my love, it's time
for bed. Midnight
bells, and wicked
grin, as one last
glass of port and gin.
   Maybe, dear, before they rise
        you could unwrap just one surprise?
                       If you can't find it 'neath the tree, then maybe,
                                  baby, your gift's ME! So Merry Christmas, all
                                                 my friends, as with a bang
                                                   this poem now
                                                     ends
                                                     x

★

*.A.  

.sleek.

.little kitten, purrs.

.sweetly, in silky ribboned box.

.hiding, little claus 'neath a pretty tree.

.of wishes.
.of dreams.