December 16
decorated corpse
certain evergreens
protest their own submission
want to last beyond
a winter decoration
needles covering
their cone shaped bodies
some sharp enough
to stir second thoughts
be the porcupine
deny the tinsel embarrassment
and if there is persistence
at least go out stinging
ostentatious bulbs
applied with quaint frustration
still prodding from the pine
won't stop the string light tying
center of attention
wrapped boxes at the foot
perplexed by strange tradition
the hostage holds a star
perhaps they will catch fire
to spite the situation
melting frost on window panes
and skin on growing skulls
but such a turn in favor
is not the season's story
and yule log has claimed the role
of burning piece of wood
so they stand until disposal
until the year turns over
then thrown away or in the yard
to wait for warmer months
when the evergreen has yellowed
they get their wish long after
to burn, but now in fire ring
spectacle again
until the bitter end
